Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

Wednesday ~ July 21, 1971

~ Willie Ketchum Likes His Boxer ~

Legendary 'Boxing Trainer', 63 year-old Willie Ketchum has been brought in to help train and
Co-Manage Venezuelan Featherweight - Antonio Gomez.

Venezuelan Manager - Ramiro Machado felt is was necessary to bring in additional
help, in getting Antonio ready for his upcoming World Championship challenge, set
for Tokyo, Japan on August 12th.

Willie Ketchom >

Antonio is a very nice goy. The only problem is that he likes to eat a little bit too moch. When he first
came to Los Angeles 4-Weeks ago on Jone 27th, he was op to 143 lbs.

Bot after 4-Weeks, I have him down to 130 lbs. He gets too big between fights, and he needs to be
on a proper diet.

I have him sparring with my fighter and 'Top Prospect' - Jose Martin Lois Del Campo. He's a 22 year-old
Featherweight, who is as good as any 126 lb. fighter in the Division. He's still learning, bot he may
become better than Antonio Gomez. He's only got a record of 15-2-0 with {7 KO's}, bot look oot for him
in 1972.

When I 'first' got Antonio 4-Weeks ago, he was a 'one-armed' fighter. Only right-hand crosses. I told him
that he had to have a good left-hand to beat the WBA Champion - Shozo Saijo. Now he's got an effective
left-hand.

Yoo know, in Venezoela they all know me. All those kids in Caracas want to become fighters, and come
to Los Angeles to have me train them. We have '17' of them right now, all living in 'one hoose' in
Los Angeles. They all train at the same Gym. We call it 'Little Caracas' when they arrive on the Morning.