A Devil of a Left Hand.

Michael Gomez has come from hell and back to get himself within striking distance of a major world title opportunity and has only to turn back the Argentine tide of Javier Alvarez to secure the possibility of rare glory for a British fighter. Ranked number three at super featherweight by the WBO, Gomez may yet realize the fruits of a Lazarus-like resurrection from certain career

death following his loss to Kevin Lear almost three years ago. Since then, Gomez has won all seven of his fights inside the distance including a five round war with archrival Alex Arthur in 2003. In that bout, the twenty-seven-year-old regained his old British title and landed so many left hooks during an absolutely terroristic performance that Arthur may never be the same again.

For this fight against Alvarez, Gomez will be putting his WBU crown, won last year against Ben Odumattey, on the line for the third time. Alvarez hopes to improve upon the showing of the Manchester man’s last opponent, Leva Kirakosyan, who had Gomez on rocky ground before absorbing so much punishment his corner retired him. Alvarez recently decisioned Eduardo Roman for the interim WBO Latino crown and took former world title challenger Jorge Barrios eleven rounds before losing his grip.

Which Gomez will show up tonight remains to be seen. Will it be the cautious boxer who had a close call against Kirakosyan or the Tasmanian devil who ripped through the previously unbeaten Arthur? Should Gomez win, he’ll likely get his long awaited chance at a major world title against the winner of the upcoming bout between Barrios and current WBO champion Mike Anchondo.

Stay tuned. This will become interesting.

Richard Eberline can be reached at richardeberline@fastmail.fm