Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ February 14, 1970

'The Forum' ~ Inglewood, California

~ Venezuelan Gomez Scores 'The Knockout' Heard Throughout The Forum ~

"Antonio Gomez 'flattens' Gil Noriega with 1-Punch Knockout in 8th"

World-Rated Featherweight - Antonio Gomez ended this night's battle at 'The Forum'
by catching Mexican - Gil Noriega with a single-right hand to the jaw in Round 8.

In a battle which was billed as a 'finesse-boxer' versus a '1-Punch knockout-artist', it was the
finesse-boxer who came away with the 'single-punch' Knockout victory at {2:19} of Round 8.

24 year-old Venezuelan - Antonio Gomez and Mexican - Gil Noriega thrilled the fans at 'The Forum'
with a wild shootout.

The { 17,091 } in attendance were on their feet after every Round, applauding and cheering. Gomez
had the slight-edge in Points after 6-Rounds, as he was the more accurate of the 'two' Featherweights.

But the 'upright' and hard-punching Mexican stayed in the fight, as he was clearly the harder-hitter
during close-exchanges.

The turning-point in the bout came mid-way thru Round 7, as Gomez continued with a steady-attack
and was elusive with a tight-defense, and Noriega began to tire, as he could not keep up with the
steady-fast pace.

Then Gomez caught Noriega with a hard 'left-right' to the chin, and the Mexican went down on his
right-side. He was up at the '4-Count', and was ready to fight on.

But, Noriega was not able to keep the fast-punching Venezuelan off of him, and near the end of Round 7
he went down again after absorbing a '7-Punch' combination to the head. The Mexican pulled himself up at
the '4-Count' again, and made it back to his corner as the 'Bell' sounded.

In Round 8, Gomez slowly wore down Noriega with fast and sharp 'left-jabs' to the face, that had the Mexican
blinded with the incoming fast-hand speed.

Then suddenly, Gomez stepped in and delivered a 'thudding' right-hand to Noriega's jaw that everyone in
'The Forum' heard.

The Mexican then fell face-first into the canvas, and was counted out at {2:19} of Round 8.

Scorecards at the time of the Knockout
* 7-2 > {Antonio Gomez}
* 6-2 > {Antonio Gomez}
* 6-2 > {Antonio Gomez}

Fight Promoter ~ George Parnassus

"I will do everything possible to bring WBA Featherweight Champion - Shozo Saijo here to defend his
Crown against Antonio Gomez. He's one of the best '3' Featherweights in the World today."

"This Venezuelan is an exciting boxer, and he deserves a World Title opportunity."

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ April 21, 1970

Plaza de Toros {Downtown 'Bull Ring'} ~ Tijuana ~ Baja California, Mexico

Attendance ...... { 6300 }

{#4} - Antonio Gomez ~ 27-2-0 {11 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 127 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 7 months}
vs.
{#10} - Guillermo 'Memo' Morales - 20-4-0 {18 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 127 lbs. ~ {Age; 22 years, 6 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antonio Gomez is still fighting on a George Parnassus 'sponsored' fight card in Baja California.

The Los Angeles based Fight Promoter is hoping to get the Venezuelan a WBA Championship
bout by the end of the Summer of 1970.

But > Guillermo 'Memo' Morales is a dangerous punching fighter from Mexico City, and one who
is not to be taken lightly.

'Memo' is coming off a major 'Featherweight Upset', when he defeated #2 WBA-ranked Cruz Marcano
in his home-area of Caracas, Venezuela on February 20, 1970.

In that bout, 'Memo' blasted the highly-touted and 'unbeaten' Cruz Marcano all over the Ring,
and won an 'impressive' 10-Round upset Decision.

The 'loss', knocked Cruz Marcano out of a World Featherweight Championship bout.

Guillermo, who is managed and trained by Edwin Inca Vacero, has been promised a 'big money'
bout at 'The Forum', if he can score another 'upset' over a 'top-tier' Venezuelan Featherweight.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Antonio Gomez 'Smashes' Morales In '4' In Tijuana ~

Venezuelan - Antonio Gomez over-whelmed Mexican - Guillermo 'Memo' Morales with a series of
combinations in Round 4, en-route to a TKO win at 1:53.

Gomez {127 lbs.} fighting with a 'spirited attack', used an assortment of left-jabs, 2-Punch combinations
and jolting right-hands to batter and smash an over-matched 'Memo' Morales {127 lbs.} in Round 3, to
set up his opponent for the following Round.

Morales, who came into the Ring with a 'reputation' as a vicious fighter, was left battered and beaten
in Round 4, after taking a one-sided pounding by the skillful Venezuelan.

Morales did not go down, but he was left 'dazed' in a Neutral-Corner when the Referee halted the
one-sided battering.

[Bill Paxtom]

May 8, 1970

~ WBA Featherweight Rankings ~ ..................... ~ 'Ring Magazine' ~

*** Shozo Saijo .................................................. ........ *** Johnny Famechon
#1 . Johnny Famechon > {WBC Champion} ................. #1 . Shozo Saijo
#2 . Vicente Saldivar .................................................. #2 . Antonio Gomez
#3 . Jose Legra .................................................. ........ #3 . Vicente Saldivar
#4 . Antonio Gomez ............................................... #4 . Kuniaki Shibata
#5 . Godfrey Stevens .................................................. #5 . Alfredo Marcano
#6 . Raul Cruz .................................................. .......... #6 . Jimmy Revie
#7 . Frankie Crawford ................................................. #7 . Fernando Sotelo
#8 . Miguel Herrera .................................................. .. #8 . Hiroshi Sojo
#9 . Eder Jofre .................................................. ......... #9 . Jose Legra
#10. Ernesto Marcel .................................................. . #10. Eder Jofre

Antonio Gomez was being labeled as 'The Uncrowned Featherweight Champion'

[Bill Paxtom]

Wednesday ~ May 20, 1970

~ Featherweights To Fight At The Olympic ~

Boxing Matchmaker - on Chargin has signed of '2' of the Top Featherweights in the World
to fight in a 12-Round bout for the NABF Featherweight Championship.

Din has signed Venezuelan - Antonio Gomez to challenge Ray Echavarria of San Jose, California
for Thursday Night ~ June 5th at 'The Olympic Auditorim'.

Antonio Gomez is the #2 WBA-ranked Featherweight, and the 24 year-old Venezuelan is
'unbeaten' with a record fo 28-0-0 with {12 KO's}.

Ray Echavarria is the #2 NABF-ranked Featherweight, and will bring in a record of 30-2-2
with {8 KO's}.

The 26 year-old Echavarria who stands at 5' 2", is built like a 'fire-plug' and is one of the
toughest fighters around in the Ring

The winner has been promised a Championship bout with the WBA Champion ~ Shozo Siajo.

This Featherweight Bot will be televised by KTLA {Channel 5} on Thursday Night, June 5th.

Note > Antonio Gomez has a reocord of 28-2-0, and it was incorrectly stated that the Venezuelan
was undefeated at 28-0-0 for the 'Press Release'.

Note > Antonio Gomez was supposed to have faced Enrique Garica set for Thursday, May 21st
at 'The Olympic'. But Enrique Garcia pulled out claiming an injury.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ June 4, 1970

~ Antonio Gomez Olympic Choice In Main Event Tonight ~

Antonio Gomez of Venezuela, billed as 'The Uncrowned Featherweight Champion'
will take on late-substitute - Centavito Antonio Hernandez.

Hernandez, a 21 year-old from Sonora, Mexico is a late-substitute for original opponent
Ray Echavarria, who pulled out due to a wrist injury.

Hernandez has an impressive record of 26-5-0 with {20 KO's}, and is an aggressive
puncher who has a devastating left-hook.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ June 4, 1970

'Olympic Auditorium' ~ Los Angeles, California

~ Antonio Gomez Wins In Unimpressive 'Split-Decision' Over Late-Sub ~

Venezuelan Antonio Gomez, the #2 World-rated Featherweight was unimpressive in winning
a 10-Round Decision over 'late-sustitute' Centavito Antonio Hernandez.

Gomez {126 lbs.} did just enough to 'not lose', but fought uninspired against a 'tenacious',
but lacking in skills opponent.

The 24 year-old Venezuelan was billed as 'The Uncrowned Featherweight Champion', but he
he fought like somebody ranked #25.

Each time that Gomez attempted to lead, he was met by a 'quick-and-hard' left-hook from
the 'unranked' Centavito Hernandez {126 lbs.}, forcing Gomez to step back.

Hernandez, from Sonora, Mexico was a 5-Day substitute, but the little known Mexican fought
hard throughout, and had the 'Olympic Auditorium' fans cheering "Vito, Vito" from the 4th Round
and on, after he tagged Gomez with a good left-hook at the end of Round 4 which 'buckled'
the Venezuelan's knee's.

Gomez was 'lacklustre', and did not fight with any 'vigor' during Rounds 5 and 6.

In Round 7, Gomez started off well, but Centavito rallied with a series of left-hooks to Gomez' head,
that put the Venezuelan back on his heels 'twice' during the Round.

Sensing that the bout was 'too close for comfort', Gomez put forth a steady assortment of left-jabs
and quick {but light} counters in > Rounds 8 and 9 to prevent an 'upset loss'.

Scorecards
* Referee - Dick Young ....... {5-4} > Antonio Gomez
* Judge - Rudy Jordan ........ {5-3} > Antonio Gomez
* Judge - Bob Dossey ......... {5-4} > Centavito Hernandez

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ June 5, 1970

Don Chargin {Boxing Matchmaker}

Despite the lackluster performance of Antonio Gomez last night, Don Chargin is still 'hell bent'
on getting a World Championship bout for the Venezuelan.

Don Chargin >
"I'm going to Sendai,Japan next month, to try an convince the winner of the WBA Featherweight
Championship bout between Champion - Shozo Saijo and Frankie Crawford to fight Antonio Gomez."

"Saijo and Crawford are scheduled to fight on July 5th. I have already talked to the Misako Kanehara
{Manager of Shozo Saijo}, and he said that 'if the money is right', they will come to Los Angeles at
the end of August, providing the bout with Frankie Crawford goes as planned and without too
much difficulty."

[Bill Paxtom]

August 13, 1970

~ WBA Featherweight Rankings ~

*** Shozo Saijo
#1 . Vicente Saldivar {WBC Champion}
#2 . Antonio Gomez
#3 . Frankie Crawford
#4 . Jose Legra
#5 . Eder Jofre
#6 . Roberto Duran
#7 . Raul Cruz
#8 . Kuniaki Shibata
#9 . Godfrey Stevens
#10. Ernesto Marcel

Note > Look who enters the Top 10 at #6.

Also > 8 of the 11 fighters listed either were or became World Champion.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ September 5, 1970

'Olympic Auditorium' ~ Los Angeles, California

~ Featherweight Clash ~

NABF Featherweight Championship

* Antonio Gomez ~ 29-2-0 {12 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 125 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 0 months}
vs.
* Fernando Sotello ~ 34-10-1 {21 KO's} ~ 5' 7 1/2' ~ 126 lbs. {Age; 28 years, 5 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bout was 'sanctioned' as NABF Championship Bout.

Fernando Sotello is the Mexican Featherweight Champion, as is ranked at #7 Ring Magazine.

The dangerous-punching Mexican is managed by Lupe Sanchez.

The fighters signed for signed contacts for this bout on August 28th.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Fernando Sotello is coming off '3' straight impressive Knockout wins;
* December 7, 1969 ....... {KO 7} ~ Lionel Rose
* March 22, 1970 ........... {TKO 10} ~ Vicente Garcia
* August 5, 1970 ............ {KO 1} ~ Cesar Sinda

Fernando also has wins over;
* March 7, 1969 ............ {TKO 5} ~ Alfredo Marcano
* January 24, 1969 ........ {W Split-Dec 10} ~ Dwight Hawkins

And as a 'kicker', Fernando has win {W Split-Dec 10} over Antonio's older brother Pedro Gomez,
and he did it in Caracas, Venezuela > 3-Years earlier on September 2, 1967.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ September 5, 1970

'Olympic Auditorium' ~ Los Angeles, California


~ Gomez Halts Sotelo In '9th' At Olympic Auditorium ~

~ Venezuelan - Antonio Gomez Captures NABF Featherweight Belt ~

Venezuelan - Antonio Gomez displayed his punching-power tonight, as he demolished
Mexican Featherweight Champion - Fernando Sotelo by TKO at 2:17 of Round 9.

Both fighters were cautious early, as each was wary of the others punching-power. But in
Round 4, Gomez {125 3/4 lbs.} 'exploded' a right-hand into the face of Sotelo {124 lbs.},
sending him to the canvas, where he received the 'Mandatory 8-Count'.

But despite the 'knockdown', the Venezuelan needed '5' more Rounds, before catching
Sotelo with a 'barrage-of-punches' in the later-session of Round 9, where Referee -
Dick Young jumped in to halt the 'now' one-sided bout.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ October 6, 1970

Plaza de Toros {Downtown Bull Ring} ~ Tijuana, Baja California

* Antonio Gomez - 30-2-0 {13 KO's} ~ 127 lbs. ~ 5' 6" ~ {Age; 25 years, 1-months}
vs.
* Julio Cesar Segura - 27-5-2 {14 KO's} ~ 124 lbs. ~ 5' 5"

The #2 WBA-ranked Featherweight - Antonio Gomez {who's been training in Los Angeles}
travels to Tijuana, Baja California for an 'off-bout', while waiting to sign contracts for a
WBA Title bout.

Julio Cesar Segura is a 24 year-old {7-Year Professional} from Durango, Mexico who is
a capable Featherweight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Gomez Bombs-Away In Tijuana ~

In front of 7000 fans Thursday Night at the 'Plaza de Toros' {Bull-Ring}, Antonio Gomez
blasted out Julio Cesar Segura in Round 5.

The Venezuelan was simply the better boxer here, and out-classed the ever-trying
Mexican, who had the will but not the skill.

Gomez toyed with Segura throughout, and had Segura on the canvas from a fast 'left-right'
mid-way through Round 4.

In Round 5, Gomez plowed forward and hit the Mexican with everything, finally dropping
him with a right-hook the chin, where Segura was counted out at {0:54} of the Round.

Antonio Gomez improves to 31-2-0 with {14 KO's}.

[Bill Paxtom]

Monday ~ December 14, 1970

Nuevo Circo ~ Caracas, Venezuela

* Antonio Gomez - 31-2-0 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 128 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 3 months}
vs.
* Juan Collado - 28-6-2 {10 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 128 lbs. ~ {Age; 23 years, 7 months}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Antonio Gomez is now the 'Mandatory Challenger' for the WBA Featherweight Division.

For Antonio, this will be his 1st-Bout in his home country of Venezuela in 1-Year, since
November 10, 1969 > as he had been campaigning in California {3-Bouts} and Mexico
{2-Bouts} to get more North American exposure.

Juan Collado is a Super-Featherweight from the Dominican Republic, and is a good little
fighter who is a fan favorite because of his willingness to stay in there at trade punches.

Juan moved from Miami Beach, Florida to Los Angles in May 1970, and has had '6-Bouts' on
the West-Coast over the past 7-Months, including '5' at the 'Olympic Auditorium'.

Juan Collado is trained by none other than > Angelo Dundee.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Antonio Gomez In 'Workman-Like' Win Over Juan Collado ~

Antonio Gomez fought a steady and 'medium-speed' paced fight to win a convincing 10-Round
Decision over 'pesky' Juan Collado of the Dominican Republic.

The 'talented' and Top-Rated Feathwerweight used a steady sharp left-jab, and an occasional
right-cross to keep the visitor on the defensive throughout most to the bout.

Neither fighter was hurt during the bout, and there were only a few 'brisk-exchanges'.

The Caracas Newspapers called it in Rounds for Antonio Gomez {7-1} with 2 Rounds 'Even'.

[Bill Paxtom]

January 10, 1971

'Billed as a WBA Eliminator'

Antonio Gomez - 32-2-0 {14 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 128 1/2 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 4 months}
vs.
Ray Vega 38-7-1 {22 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 129 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 11 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Antonio Gomez is the 'mandatory' WBA Challenger for the Featherweight Division, but
the WBA 'mandates' this bout as an 'Eliminator', despite both fighters being over the
126 lb. Featherweight limit.

Ray 'Ray Gun' Vega is a big right-hand swinging Mexican 'slugger' who has been
competing as a Super-Featherweight. The Mexican is ranked as the #12 WBA
Super-Featherweight and #11 WBC Super-Featherweight.

'Ray Gun' has been a Professional since 1962 {Age; 17}, and the 9-Year Pro recently
scored a 'major upset] when he won by a {Majority Dec. 10} over Top 10 ranked Venezuelan
Alfredo Marcano at the 'Olympic Auditorium' on June 25, 1970.

In the 'rematch' with Alfredo Marcano, 'Ray Ray' was just barely edged out by a {Split Dec 10}
to the Venezuelan at the 'Olympic Auditorium' on September 17, 1970.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Antonio Gomez Wails On Ray Vega, Halts Mexican Foe in 7 ~

Top-ranked WBA Featherweight - Antonio Gomez used a variety of right-crosses and right-hooks
to jar his Mexican opponent - Ray Vega in the early going.

Gomez had the hard-punching and big-swinging Mexican in trouble in Rounds 4 and 5, after
landing hard right-hands to Vega's jaw.

Gomez came out with 'blistering attack' in Round 6, and soon had Vega on the deck for a '3-Count'
after catching him with a solid right-cross to the jaw. The Venezuelan continued with his dominance
for the rest of the Round, and had Vega bloodied in the mouth at the Bell.

In Round 7 the battering continued immediately, and Vega was down again after taking '3' hard rights
to the head.

The tough' Mexican rose and wanted to continue. But he was met by another barrage, and went down from
a seri'es of right-hands, only to be counted out at 0:54 of Round 7.

[Bill Paxtom]

February 28, 1971

UPI ~ Antonio Gomez Will Fight For The WBA Featherweight Championship In Caracas, Venezuela ~

The #1 WBA-ranked Featherweight - Antonio Gomez will fight for the WBA Championship in his home country
of Venezuela, and most likely within 90-Days, and no later than May 28th.

WBA Champion - Shozo Saijo will defend his Championship for the '5th-time' when he meets Challenger
Frankie Crawford for the Championship tonight in Tochigi, Japan.

Shozo Saijo defeated Frankie Crawford by a {Majority Dec 15} last-year, on July 5, 1970 in a hotly contested
WBA Championship Bout.

WBA President - Dr. Elias Cordova stated that the winner of the Shozo Saijo vs. Frankie Crawford bout must
defend the WBA Championship against Antonio Gomez with 90-Days or the Title will be declared vacant.

[Bill Paxtom]

February 28, 1971

~ Shozo Saijo Tops Frankie Crawford, Keeps Title ~

WBA Featherweight Champin - Shozo Saijo had to overcome a rough early going, as he was
staggered by a left-hand from Challenger - Frankie Crawford in Round 4.

But the 'reed-thin' WBA Champion from Japan took control in Round 7, as he scored with
repeated left-jabs and sharp right-hand crosses onto the ever-pressing Californian. The
Champion swept '4-of-the-last-5' Rounds to win a Unanimous 15-Round Decision, and
retain his WBA Championship for the '5th' Time.

Scorecards
* 72-70 = {5-3-7 in Rounds}
* 73-70 = {5-2-8 in Rounds}
* 72-69 = {6-3-6 in Rounds}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Antonio Gomez > "OK, I'm next." ~

The WBA Featherweight Championship bout is set for May 28, 1971 in
Caracas, Venezuela.

Antonio Gomez >
"I've been waiting since September 1970 {6-Months}. That is a long time to
be the 'Mandatory Challenger' and then see someone else get a chance over me."