Olympic-qualifying boxer Kayla Gomez, 22, has been accused of knocking an aunt unconscious during a Fourth of July celebration just days after her professional boxing debut. The incident occurred at a family gathering in Anthony, Texas, where Gomez allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with a relative over decorations for her baby daughter's birthday party.
According to a criminal complaint, Gomez used both fists to strike the relative in the head, causing visible injuries. The aunt reported being unable to recall the exact number of blows because she blacked out. Police responded to the scene around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and found the aunt with a bloody upper lip and facial pain. She declined medical transport but wished to press charges.
Gomez, who had recently made her professional debut on June 19 in California after accumulating 18 amateur national championships, denied responsibility for the incident. Witnesses reportedly told police that Gomez was the aggressor. Gomez commented on a local news outlet's social media post, stating, "There are two sides to every story, and I didn’t hit anybody." She further clarified that the individual involved was a "crazy step-aunt" who attacked her while she was holding her baby.
Gomez was arrested and booked at the El Paso County jail on charges of assault. She was released Sunday after posting a $2,500 bond. By Monday, she was reportedly back training at the gym, according to her Instagram account, which has nearly 55,000 followers.
Gomez has been recognized as a prominent young boxer from El Paso, having qualified for the U.S. Olympic boxing team in 2021. The city of El Paso also declared May 24, 2022, as Kayla Gomez Day in her honor. She had taken time off from the sport to have a child before winning her first professional fight.