By Scoop Malinowski

One of the most impressive of the young heavyweights coming up is Juan Carlos Gomez. We finally got to see “The Black Panther” box in America on the HBO “Night of Young Heavyweight” show from Buffalo in September. Gomez, 37-0 with 31 KO’s, showed some impressive boxing skills, flashy handspeed, superstar flare and excellent showmanship in decisioning European heavyweight champ Samil Sam.

But Gomez, age 30, is a mystery man in American boxing circles - even to the most informed reporters. All we really know is that he defected from Cuba (while fighting with the Cuban National Team) to live in Germany where he won and defended the WBC Cruiserweight title from early 1998 until late 2000. Then he quietly moved up to heavyweight, scored five wins including a TKO of rugged Al Cole.

Finally I got the chance to interview this little-known but big-time talented and emerging star. (Translation by Luis DeCubas.)

BoingInsider.com: Your record is 37-0 and from reports I’ve read, you have dominated everyone you have fought. So when is the last time you actually lost a fight?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “In early 1995 to Thomas Ulrich in Germany. On points. At world amateur championships. But I really won the fight. (Gomez turned pro in May of ‘95).”

BoingInsider.com Okay, when is the last time you really lost a fight?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Against Angel Espinoza in 1991 in Cuba. Lost a decision. Espinoza could crack, man. (Espinoza is a Cuban legend known for his devastating punch power).”

BoingInsider.com: Who were your heroes as a boy?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “When I was a boy, the first stars, my heroes were Teofilo Stevenson and Adolfo Horta.”

BoingInsider.com: What are your hobbies and interests?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Fish a lot. I like to go fishing. Relax on the beach. Walk on the beach. And my newest, biggest hobby is being with my son Lazaro who was just born.”

BoingInsider.com: What is the greatest moment of your career?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Without a doubt when I was fighting for the world title in Argentina against Marcelo Dominguez (W12 in February ‘98). And of course, there was a lot of criticism in Cuba because I left Cuba. But when I won that world title, it was the greatest memory I have.”

BoxingInsider.com: Most painful moment?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “The hardest moment of my boxing career is right now. Because I’m undefeated, never lost a fight. My last fight I fought a top guy (Sam) and I beat him every minute of every round. And I was criticized for that. He was a former amateur world champion, undefeated. European champion. It was my first fight out in 14 months. I threw 960 punches. Tied Muhammad Ali’s record for Punchstats. I was so disappointed. Now everyone’s talking about guys like Mesi now. Ridiculous. That’s why I’m disappointed now.”

BoingInsider.com: What’s your opinion of Joe Mesi as a fighter?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Joe Mesi is a circus figure. He’s deforming boxing. People are looking at him like he’s a superstar and he’s not. And I’ll prove it any time. Anywhere. I’ll put my purse on the line. Whatever he wants, I’ll do it. He can’t deal with me. Easy fight.”

BoingInsider.com: Who do you see as the top five heavyweights in the world right now?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Including me on the list…Lennox Lewis should be on that list. Roy Jones. Chris Byrd. And Wladimir Klitschko. Not Vitali, Wladimir. Wladimir’s more technical, better fighter. He moves better, he’s got better range, everything. Don’t really go on that Sanders fight. He got caught.”

BoingInsider.com: What’s your opinion on Vitali?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “They’re both solid heavyweights. Vitali’s technique is not that good. But he can crack. He can crack with either hand. You just can’t stay in front of him [smiles].”

BoingInsider.com: You used to spar with both Klitschkos, is that true?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Yes. Whenever they fought southpaws, they used me as a sparring partner.”

BoingInsider.com: You were all together at Universum’s gym. What is your relationship with the Klitschko brothers?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “We are very good friends.”

BoingInsider.com: Which boxers do you like to watch today?

Juan Carlos Gomez: “Sugar Ray Leonard is my favorite fighter. Casamayor…but he’s for the revolution [laughs].”

BoingInsider.com: Who do you see becoming the next dominant heavyweight champ if Lennox retires?

Juan Carlos Gomez:“In my mind, when Lennox Lewis retires - just look at the ratings. There is no doubt in my mind that I should be the candidate that takes over the division. I’m undefeated. Never lost a fight. I’m the only heavyweight in the top 10 that’s undefeated.”

Final thoughts: Juan Carlos Gomez is definitely one of the most intriguing fighters in the heavyweight mix, but the fact he doesn’t speak English hurts him (can you name one heavyweight champ who did not speak English? I don’t think there was one.)

HBO and Showtime seem uninterested in bringing him back to fight again on television, as he currently has no fights scheduled. This is unfortunate because Gomez is a special talent and his skills and colorful, cocky style translate well to TV.