by David P. Greisman

Wilfredo Gomez — an International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee who was the lineal champion of the 122- and 130-pound divisions, and a world titleholder at featherweight — is in critical condition in Puerto Rico after being hospitalized due to a lung infection and respiratory failure, according to the Associated Press.

Gomez, 56, “is under sedation in an intensive care unit and is breathing with the assistance of a tube,” the article said.

Gomez entered Canastota in 1995. That recognition followed a pro career that began in 1974, when he was just a few weeks past his 18th birthday, and continued through to 1989.

He won 44 fights — an amazing 42 of them coming by way of knockout, an accomplishment that made his nickname of “Bazooka” quite appropriate — lost 3 bouts and had 1 draw.

David P. Greisman is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. Follow David on Twitter @fightingwords2 or send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com