I was stopped by Vitali Klitschko but fighter who is currently on comeback trail at 60 years of age hit me harder than anyone

Juan Carlos Gomez is one of boxing’s greatest ever cruiserweights as he enjoyed a memorable reign as world champion that saw him make many defences of his WBC crown. 

At the start of the 2000s, Gomez made the decision to campaign at heavyweight and although he would initially enjoy success, his world came crashing down when he was destroyed in one round by fellow Cuban, Yanqui Diaz.  

Gomez responded well to build his record at heavyweight and in 2009 he was rewarded with a world title shot against Vitali Klitschko. 

Meeting a peak version of Klitschko, Gomez had no answer for the size of the giant Ukrainian and he was broken down and eventually stopped after seven one-sided rounds.  

Despite enduring stoppage losses against Klitschko and Diaz, Gomez does not consider either man as being the hardest puncher he ever faced. 

That honour goes to Oliver McCall who Gomez faced twice when trying to climb the rankings towards a big title shot. 

After defeating McCall in 2005, Gomez failed a drug test meaning his win over the former world champion was changed to a ‘No Contest.’ 

The pair would meet again two years later, and Gomez would have too much quality for McCall as he won after 12 rounds. 

Looking back on his career, Gomez had plenty of praise for the power possessed by McCall. 

"He does hit hard,” said Gomez when speaking to The Ring regarding McCall’s heavy hands. 

“With Vitali it wasn't so much the strength of his punches. What made me win over McCall was I was prepared. My legs went numb [against McCall], but thanks to my experience I knew how to trick him, and I was able to recover without problems or additional blows.”

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