They call him ‘The Destroyer’ – and for good reason. South Africa’s Keaton Gomes has been tearing through the WBC Boxing Grand Prix with ruthless efficiency, leaving a trail of broken opponents and early stoppages in his wake.
With a record of 13 wins, 3 losses, and 11 knockouts, Gomes boasts a staggering 84.62% KO rate – proof that when he steps into the ring, someone’s night usually ends early.
In his Grand Prix run so far, Gomes has been unstoppable: a first-round demolition of Roberto Medina, a fourth-round knockout of Alija Mesic, and another first-round finish against Devon Young. Each fight has reinforced his reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers in the division – and a fan favorite for the title.
Now, as he advances to the semifinals to face Bosnia’s Ahmed Krnjić, anticipation is at fever pitch. Both fighters are known for their power and resilience, setting the stage for what could be the most explosive bout of the tournament. The winner moves one step closer to the Grand Prix final – and a shot at the $200,000 José Sulaimán trophy.
“People laughed when I entered Keaton into the inaugural series,” admits coach Peter Smith, who also trains current WBC bridgerweight world champion Kevin ‘Two Guns’ Lerena. “They looked at his size and made assumptions. But every fight, he’s proven them wrong – with his fists.”
The WBC’s bridgerweight division, introduced in 2020 to bridge the gap between cruiserweight and heavyweight, has become the perfect home for fighters like Gomes – compact, explosive, and dangerously powerful.
And with South Africa already producing champions like Lerena, Gomes’ march toward Grand Prix glory feels like destiny in motion.
As Smith warns, though: “In this division, one punch changes everything.”
That’s exactly what fans are counting on – another devastating display from the man they call ‘The Destroyer’.
Fewer and fewer fighters remain in contention for the prestigious “José Sulaimán” trophy, but one nation stands out above the rest: South Africa, which has successfully placed three of its fighters into this stage set for this October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
