Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[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}
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~ 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.
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~ 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.