Lockridge to Defend His Title Next Sunday

When he first entered professional boxing, Rocky Lockridge looked up to then-champion Wilfredo Gomez and dreamt one day of challenging the Puerto Rican fighter for a world title.

Lockridge, a native of Tacoma, Wash., considered the chances slim that they would meet. And he never thought such a bout would take place with Lockridge the champion and Gomez the challenger.

But that’s how it will be when Lockridge defends his World Boxing Association junior lightweight title May 19 against Gomez in San Juan.

“I dreamt of it but very seriously doubted it would ever come about,” Lockridge said of his meeting with Gomez. “But he’s still fighting, still swinging and, fortunately for him, still in position to be considered a great fighter again.”

Gomez, the former World Boxing Council junior featherweight and WBA featherweight champ, is trying to become one of few three-time titleholders in boxing history. Lockridge expects to finish Gomez’ career instead, while launching himself into one of boxing’s top attractions.

“Obviously, he’s not as tough and durable as he once was,” Lockridge said of Gomez. “Everybody has his day in the sun. But he’s moved up in weight two or three times and getting old.

“He still can move in-and-out, tattoo and box you. In a heavier division, his main objective is to outpoint you, not knock you out. I consider myself a bigger puncher and have it over him in hand speed.”

Gomez, who outgrew the junior featherweight division after defending his title 17 times, decisioned Juan LaPorte last March to win the featherweight crown. He lost that championship in December when he was stopped by Azumah Nelson in the 11th round at San Juan.

Gomez, 28, is 41-2-1 with 40 knockouts. Lockridge, who will earn $275,000 for his biggest payday ever, is 36-3 with 30 knockouts. The 26-year-old Lockridge has lost two featherweight title tries to Eusebio Pedroza and was knocked out in a non-title fight by LaPorte.

But he moved up in weight and knocked out Roger Mayweather in the first round in February of 1984 to win the WBA junior lightweight crown. He has since defended the title twice -- against Tae-jin Moon and Kamel-Bou Ali.

If Lockridge tops Gomez, he hopes to make a mandatory defense against top-ranked Alfredo Lane of Panama next and then defend his title against Pedroza before the end of the year.

“I have the opportunity to retire two very popular fighters considered great champions -- Wilfredo Gomez and Eusebio Pedroza,” said Lockridge, who now lives in Mt. Laurel, N.J. “Against Pedroza I hope to avenge two fights I thought I won but lost because of political reasons.”

Two things happened in 1984 that made Lockridge a more determined fighter. He won the title from Mayweather, then his wife Caroline had twin boys--Ricky and Lamar--in August.

“Winning the title made me just a wee bit stronger in confidence,” Lockridge said. “Now, in order for me to hold onto what I have, I work harder mentally and physically -- which is practically impossible since I always worked hard.”

Lockridge’s manager, Lou Duva, agrees that his fighter is better than ever.

“I’ve never seen him better and stronger,” Duva said. “His mental condition is better. At 126 pounds (featherweight limit), he used to be worried about his weight all the time and whether he could go 15 rounds.

“He’s more comfortable at 130 and he’s really working hard. I had to lay him off a day, he was knocking guys around. I think the fight should go six or eight rounds.”