Los Angeles – Alfonso S. Gomez (18-3-2) is speaking out about his upcoming fight against Miguel Cotto (31-0-0), saying that the 12-round battle for Cotto’s WBA Welterweight belt will give him the chance to achieve his life-long goal of a world title while silencing his critics once and for all.

The April 12 HBO World Championship Boxing event marks Gomez’s return to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the scene of his spectacular 7th round knockout of Arturo Gatti last July.

Although Gomez was not looking to jump up the welterweight ranks quite this fast, he is more than willing to rise to the occasion.

“I had my eye on Cotto as a world champion, but I was planning on taking my time before challenging him. I was looking at fighters like Chavez, Jr., or Zab Judah first, because I didn’t feel I had the resume to call out Cotto,” Gomez explained. “But then I got the offer for the world title, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Gomez considers Cotto a worthy adversary, with the clash between two fighters in their primes as the possible start of a great rivalry between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters, which have some of the most passionate fan followings in the sport.

“Cotto has a strong KO ratio against good solid fighters. And, he showed against Mosley that he can also box and counterpunch,” Gomez said. “But styles make fights, and his style is suitable for me because I’m faster and my boxing and counterpunching skills are superior. I hope he doesn’t underestimate me. I’ve seen him face fighters that he’s taken for granted and he looks awful when he doesn’t take his opponent seriously.”

After three wins in a row, Gomez is still looking for recognition from the boxing community.

“How many times do I have to be the underdog and come out on top for me to show that I’m the real deal?” Gomez said. “Although I’ve had losses, I have never been stopped. I’ve been the underdog many times and I have prevailed. I have no other choice but to prove everyone wrong once again and show them what I can do in the ring.”

“People are saying that if I last past five rounds, then they will lose respect for Cotto,” Gomez continued. “He’s an undefeated world champion. I’ve got a tsunami against me, but I’m not running away from it, I’m running toward it because I know the odds are against me but that will make victory so much sweeter.”

The Los Angeles-based Gomez has already begun conditioning work in California.

He will cap his training with a six-week “boot camp” in Miami, led by his father, Alfonso Gomez, Sr., who has trained him throughout his career. Building the strength and endurance needed to go 12 hard rounds will be the prime focus.

Gomez’s journey to the world title will be documented through a series of six webisodes, “The Buildup: Gomez vs. Cotto,” that will air on weekly starting five weeks prior to the fight. For more information, visit .