Frankie Gomez One to watch

With American boxing at a bit of a low point, no heavyweight contenders worth lacing the boots of the Klitschko's and only a handful of seriously top level boxers across the divisions it may be fair to assume it'll doom and gloom. Though that's far from the actuality of things and whilst Bob Arum's “Top Rank” have got Jose Benavidez as their future star Golden Boy Promotions haven't done too badly themselves signing up Benavidez's main amateur rival Frankie Gomez. Frankie was born in 1992 in LA and has been kept on the right tracks by his level headed parents and the sport of boxing which is helping him become a true star, like the man who promotes him Oscar De La Hoya.

As just a young kid Frankie would pick up boxing to stay away from the gang culture of LA and under the wing of Ronnie Rivota and the Los Angeles Police Department’s Police Athletic League (LAPD PAL) Frankie would grow and develop as one of the best young amateurs in the states. It was as an amateur that he really started to shine, as just teen he was dominating opponents older than himself with long hours in the gym working out well for him. A combination of natural talent, an ability to learn quickly and a mature head on his young shoulders turned what could have been another gang related waste of a life into a man who was winning tournaments for fun. Though it was in 2009 that he would really come to prominence with victory in the U.S.A. Amateur National Champion and a Silver medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships. It was obvious that he was heading for bigger and better things, but the question was, will Gomez go pro, or will go to the Olympics in 2012?

The answer was simple, Gomez turned professional signing with Golden Boy Promotions soon after Golden Boy lost the race to sign Benavidez. In some peoples eyes it was a consolation prize, in others it was a coup with De La Hoya mentioning several links between himself and Gomez. They shared a 4th of February birthday, they were both from LA and Gomez had been born the same year that De La Hoya had won Olympic gold. Though to many they seemed trivial and meaningless links and it was all about how he was going to fair in the professional ranks that matter. So far, against limited opposition admittedly, Gomez has looked excellent, calm, aggressive, accurate and fast with power that isn't common in such a youngster. He has so far fought 4 times as a pro winning all 4 by stoppage within 3 rounds. The most impressive of those wins coming last time out against Jaime Orrantia who was stopped on his feet late in the opening round.

Although this upcoming weekend, on the undercard of Juan Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez II Gomez again gets another relatively easy nights work when he meets Ricardo Calazada (2-2) it's a fight that could help Gomez learn. Golden Boy Promotions don't need to rush the kid and instead will bring him along at an easy and pace until they feel he's ready to step up.