The Kent kid has picked up the pace in the pro boxing ring.<\/p>\n
Willie Gomez, 18, a senior at Kent-Meridian High School, is unbeaten after his first two fights, the latest a four-round majority decision against Hamilton Ash in a welterweight bout at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma on Sept. 7.<\/p>\n
It was closely contested, with both fighters opening up early. But Gomez flashed more polished boxing skills to pull away in the end. Two judges gave the nod to the 141-pound Gomez, 40-36 and 39-37; a third judge saw it as a 38-38 draw.<\/p>\n
“He was an older fighter (29) and much bigger,” said Gomez’s trainer, Keith Weir. “Overall, we used our speed and boxing abilities to win the match. … It was a good fight and good experience for him. The crowd loved it.”<\/p>\n
Gomez thrilled the crowd, earning Fighter of the Night honors, by stopping Milwaukie, Ore.’s Ian King in just over one minute in his pro debut between 138-pounders at the Clackamas (Ore.) Armory on Aug. 3.<\/p>\n
Next up for Gomez is a scheduled four-round junior welterweight bout against Steven Hellman, a young pro from Great Falls, Mont., at the Oct. 26 Fight Night, Fright Night Brawl Series 8 at Green River College presented by PNW Boxing Promotions. Doors open at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Gomez, who has more than 50 amateur fights, turned pro earlier this year. He trains under Weir at the White Center PAL (Police Activities League) Gym in Seattle.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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