Los Angeles, Cal., Sept. 5, 2007 – Just three months after his knock-out victory over Arturo Gatti, Alfonso S. Gomez (17-3-2, 8 KO’s) will face off against veteran Ben Tackie (29-7-1, 17 KOs). The welterweight bout headlines a Contender special event at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Cal., to be aired live October 16 on ESPN. 

“Tackie’s a tough fighter who has been toe-to-toe against champions like Ricky Hatton and Kostya Tszyu,” Gomez said. “It seems as if he never gets tired, so I plan to be in top condition to beat him.”

Neither Gomez nor Tackie has been knocked out in their professional careers. Interestingly, Tackie’s last fight was a UD loss to Freddy Hernandez, whom Gomez beat as an amateur.

Training camp began three weeks ago, led by his father, Alfonso Gomez, Sr., and incorporating the same intensity, conditioning and sparring that prepared him for the Gatti fight.

Remaining at welterweight for the second time in a row makes preparation easier, according to Gomez.

“I felt really good in my last fight at welterweight,” Gomez said. “I felt stronger than my opponent, and I plan to stay at this weight.” 

After two trips to the other guys’ backyards, both of which resulted in 7th round knockouts against his opponents, Gomez is excited to return to his home base for this fight.

“I went to their backyards and came out victorious, and now it’s my turn for a victory in my hometown,” Gomez said. “It’s an honor to fight in LA in front of my friends, family and local fans, many of whom haven’t had the opportunity to see me fight live.”

More than anything, however, Gomez looks forward to getting back in the ring to capitalize on his last great performance against Gatti and maintain the respect and standing that he earned from that fight.

“Champs are now calling me out, and this is my chance to show that Gatti wasn’t a fluke, and that I’m a legitimate fighter to be reckoned with,” Gomez said. “I will show the boxing world that Alfonso Gomez is here to stay.”

For more information, visit www.alfonsosgomez.com.