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.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ September 2, 1971

Metropolitan Gym ~ Tokyo, Japan

~ WBA Featherweight Championship ~

Attendance ...... { 5230 }

{**} - Shozo Saijo ~ 29-6-2 {8 KO's} ~ 5' 8" ~ 126 lbs.~ Reach; 70" ~ {Age; 24 years, 8 months}
vs.
{#1} - Antonio Gomez ~ 34-2-0 {16 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 125 lbs. ~ Reach; 67" ~ {Age; 26 years, 0 months}
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~ The Skinny I ~

Finally, after 6-Months of 'haggling' and 'negotiating', Shozo Saijo of Japan will defend his WBA Featherweight
Championship against #1 WBA contender, Antonio Gomez of Venezuela.

Shozo Saijo has been the WBA Champion since September 27, 1968 {2 years, 11 months}, and during that
span Shozo has made '5' successful Title Defenses.

Shozo's ride hasn't been an easy one, as the WBA had withdrawn recognition of his Crown due to the failure
to defend against Antonio Gomez, as he 'pulled-out' of no less than '3' previous scheduled Dates, set for;
November 1970 --- May 28, 1971 --- and August 12, 1971 {3-Weeks earlier}.
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~ The Skinny II ~

Antonio Gomez has been the 'Mandatory Challenger' since August 1970, has he has been patiently waiting for
this opportunity for 1-Year.

This bout will be a personal 'grudge-fight' for Antonio, as his older brother Pedro Gomez fought and 'lost' a
tough 15-Round Decision to Shozo Saijo {2 1/2 years earier} back on February 9, 1969.
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~ The Skinny III ~

Shozo Saijo last fought on July 1, 1971 > where he defeated {W Dec 10} Ray Vega, the same Mexican fighter
who was stopped by Antonio Gomez on Januray 10, 1971.

Shozo last defended his WBA Championship on February 28, 1971 > where he defeated {W Dec 15} the 'pesky'
Californian - Frankie Crawford in a rematch of their July 5, 1970 'Hell-Raising' bout.

The word going around, is that Shozo {with his tall-and-lanky frame} is having difficulty getting down to 126 lbs.,
as he was {131 lbs.} when he defeated Ray Vega on July 1st {2-Months ago}.

The Champion will receive a Fight Purse of { $55,000 }.

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~ The Skinny IV ~

Antonio Gomez arrived in Tokyo, Japan > on August 20th, so he has had 12-Days to get acclimated to the climate.

Antonio last fought on May 28, 1971 > where he scored a {TKO 1} over Vicente Garcia. Before that, he scored
a {KO 7} over Ray Vega on January 10, 1971. > So, in the last 7 1/2 Months, Antonio has gone less than a
'Full Round'.

The concern here, is that Antonio may be 'stale' and also may not have the 'timing' to reach the tall-and-lanky
Champion.

Antonio has accepted a { $15,000 } Fight Purse, plus '4' Round-Trip Airline Tickets > 'plus' the Venezuelan
Television rights, Radio broadcast rights, and an outside Referee.

On the 'betting-scene', Antonio has been installed as the {7-4} Betting-Favorite despite being the visiting
boxer.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday Night ~ September 2, 1971

Metropolitan Gym ~ Tokyo, Japan

WBA Featherweight Championship

Champion ~ Shozo Saijo
vs.
#1 WBA-ranked ~ Antonio Gomez

Pre-Fight Chatter >

Antonio Gomez >
"I will win by a Knockout. I'm going to 'Kayo' Shozo Saijo. My President {Rafael Caldera of Venezuela} just sent
me a 'telegram', stating the entire country of Venezuela will be pulling for me."

Shozo Saijo >
"I am fully confident, that I'll win. But I make no predictions on the way I'll win. I hear that he is saying that
he will win by a Knockout. Well, I'll exchange 'blows' toe-to-toe if he likes. Besides boxing, I can punch
hard just as well."

[Bill Paxtom]

~ The Bout ~

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Round 1

Both Shozo Saijo and Antonio Gomez came out looking to establish their left-jab. Both fighters
were at Center-Ring, but the tall-and-lanky Champion was moving laterally, like a 'Cat'.

Antonio was reaching with his left-jab, and had to leap to reach the 5' 8" Champion. In one
exchange, the Champion was able to score with a 'long-and-solid' left-hand that rocked Antonio
backwards at the {1:20 Mark}.

The Champion took advantage of his 3" Reach advantage, and slight-edge in quickness.

But Antonio came back with a sharp 'left-right' to the head that got the attention of the Champion.

Round 1 ..... {5-5} > 'Even'
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After the 1st-Round >

Antonio's cornermen {Hely Montes, Ramiro Machado and Willie Ketchum} told their fighter to 'Be Cautious'
for the fiirst few Rounds, and to focus on a tight-defense while putting on the pressure.

American - Willie Ketchum told Antonio >
"Do not reach for him. Be patient, and move in close while keeping your hands up. You have to wear him
down some, by making him work. We have a long way to go Antonio."

Round 2

For the first-Minute, Antonio did what he was instructed. The strong Venezuelan kept his guard up, while
moving in close on the 'reed-thin' Champion.

At the {1:00 Mark}, Antonio got off a good series of left-jabs, and then caught the Champion with a good
right-hand to the mid-section.

Moments later, Antonio scored with a 'triple' left-jab to the face, and Shozo 'stumbled' backwards and went
to the canvas with his feet flying up in the air towards the ceiling lights.

The Japanese Referee - Alfredo Garza did 'not' rule it a Knockdown, and stated that Shozo Saijo was
'off-balance' and stumbled, and that it was 'a slip'.

Upon rising, the Champion became more aggressive, and attacked the Challenger with a series of punches
that were below the belt.

At the {2:10 Mark}, the Referee warned Shozo for 'low-blows'.

Over the last 30-Seconds of the Round, Antonio demonstrated better technique and superior punching-power,
as he drove the Champion backwards on 'two occasions'.

Round 2 ....... {5-4} > Antonio Gomez

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Shozo Saijo vs. Antonio Giomez ~

Round 3

~ A Round which could be nominated for 'Round of the Year' ~

The Champion - Shozo Saijo comes out fast, and 'peppers' away with fast left-jabs aimed at
the Challenger's head.

By the {0:25 Mark}, Antonio is looking to counter with wide left-hooks.

Both fighters stay at Center-Ring, and exchange with left-jabs for the next 15-Seconds.

Antonio moves in close at the {0:46 Mark}, and attempts to out-muscle the Champion.

But Shozo easily pushes Antonio off of him. The Champion is much stronger than he looks
for his 'lanky' 5' 8" thin-frame.

Shozo continues to fire away from the outside, as Antonio goes to 'ducking-and-weaving' while
looking to counter.



Antonio sends out '2' measuring left-hands at the {0:52 Mark}.

Shozo steps forward, and comes in with a solid 'left-right' to the Challenger's chin. Antonio moves
backwards, to the back Ropes.

The Metropolitan Gym of { 5230 } erupt with 'roars' for their Hero.

As Antonio moves the back Ropes, the Champion is coming in with his hands 'low'.

Shozo attempts a right-hand lead, just as Antonio 'unloads' with a left-hook. The left-hook bounces off
of the Champion's jaw, and sends Shozo wobbling to his right and into the back-right Ropes at the {1:04 Mark}.

The action moves to the back-right Corner, and both trade. Antonio 'digs' in a heavy 'left-right-left' into the
Champion's mid-section at the {1:08 Mark}.

Shozo counters with a hard left-hook into Antonio's head.

But Antonio comes back with a 'wicked ass' short right-hook to the Champion's chin at the {1:10 Mark}.

Shozo's legs buckle like a 'cheap' folding-chair, and 'the Champion goes down' near the back-right Corner. Shozo gets
up at the '2-Count', and walks around holding his sides, as he was affected by the body-punches as well.

After taking the 'Mandatory 8-Count', Shozo is ready to continue at the {1:20 Mark}.

The Champion shows his 'toughness' and meets Antonio at Center-Ring, where they both exchange. Antonio
gets off with a 'left-right-left'. But Shozo counters with a good 'left-right' at the {1:26 Mark}.

Antonio counters with a good left-hook to the Champion's chin, which shakes Shozo and sends him backwards
'on-his-heels' and towards the right-side of the Ring.

Antonio moves in, as they both 'slug away' at each other at the {1:30 Mark}. Shozo fires in with a 'big' right-hand.

Antonio counters with a sharp 'left-right' to the head, and Shozo is driven across the Ring to the left-side area.
Antonio literally chases the Champion who is wobbly again, and slams in a hard 'right-left' to the head at the
{1:34 Mark}.

Antonio slams in with '2' right-uppercuts that snaps the Champion's head at the {1:37 Mark}. But the Champion
will not quit, and fires back with a hard 'right-left-right' as he moves to Center-Ring.

Antonio ducks low, and 'digs' in with a hard left-hook to Shozo's mid-section.

Shozo counters with a 'good' right-hand to the jaw, which forces Antonio to bend low. Antonio comes back
with a 'left-right' as the action is fast-paced.

Shozo 'sizes up' Antonio, and comes back with a 'fast' left-right to the head at the {1:41 Mark}.

Then the Champion unloads with a 'jarring' left-right to Antonio's head which 'stuns' him. Shozo then adds in a
'wicked' left-hook to Antonio's mid-section.

Antonio is 'hurt' and wobbles at Center-Ring at the {1:44 Mark}.

The Metropolitan Gym 'erupts' with roars.

Shozo then steps in, and delivers a hard 'left-right' underneath, as Antonio backs into the front Ropes at the {1:46 Mark}.

Then the Champion adds in a 'vicious' right-hook to Antonio's chin which snaps his head sideways at the {1:47 Mark}.

Amazingly, Antonio counters with a 'solid' left-hook the Champion's jaw, and then comes back with a 'left-right' to
the body.

Antonio moves to his right, to the front-right Ring area. Shozo now 'goes for broke', and whips in 'big-wide'
hooks from the outside at the {1:50 Mark}.

Antonio gets 'nailed', and stumbles back to the Ropes at the {1:51 Mark}.

The Champion continues to fire, and comes in with a left-uppercut, and follows with a 'left-right' to the head.

At the {1:54 Mark}, Antonio is in 'big trouble' as he is pinned on the front-right Ropes.

Shozo then 'missed' with '2' left-hooks, and Antonio tried to get off the Ropes.

But Shozo caught Antonio 'flush-on-the-chin' with another left-hook, which drove him back on the front Ropes
at the {1:57 Mark}.

Shozo continues with his assault, and slams the 'stunned' Challenger with a right to the mid-section, and then
a left to the body at the {1:59 Mark}.

The Champion is still going, and 'misses' with a right-hook, but catches Antonio with a solid 'left-right' to the jaw,
as the Challenger 'reels' on the front Ropes.

At the {2:02 Mark} > the Metropolitan Gym fans { 5230 } are going crazy.

At the {2:04 Mark} > Antonio finally gets off the Ropes, but he is 'groggy' as he moves out to Center-Ring.

The Champion then takes 'a second' to reset, and then moves in. Antonio then backs up to the back-right Corner
at the {2:07 Mark}.

At the {2:10 Mark} > each Exchange left-hooks to the body.

At the {2:11 Mark} > Shozo comes back with a 'fast' left-right to Antonio's head.

Then out if nowhere, Antonio slams a 'big' right-cross into the Champion's jaw at the {2:13 Mark}, which 'stuns'
the Shozo.

The Champion immediately backs up across the Ring to the left-side Ring area.

Antonio moves out, and both trade left-hands, as Shozo circles to his right 180* at the {2:20 Mark}.

The Champion, {who is still 'stunned'} goes to circling and dancing, while staying outside to 'clear-his-head'.

The Challenger patiently stalks Shozo for the next 15-Seconds, as the Champion keeps his distance.

At the [2:39 Mark}, Antonio fires in a 'quick' right-hand lead to Shozo's head.

Both fighters move to Center-Ring at the {2:42 Mark}.

Both trade left-jabs at the {2:47 Mark}.

At the {2:49 Mark}, Antonio attempts a big right-uppercut from way outside.

Shozo counters with a left-hook to the head, and circles 180* to the left-side of Center-Ring.

Shozo then moves in close at the {2:54 Mark}, and is looking to 'unload-a-bomb'.

Shozo scores with a 'pin-point' right-hand lead to the jaw, and Antonio is 'shaken' at the {2:55 Mark},
as he backs up to the front Ropes.

But again, Antonio comes back with a left-hook to the Champion's mid-section.

Shozo counters with another right-hand to the head.

But again, Antonio comes back with a 'big' right-hand to the body, and then 'whips' in a solid left-hook
to the Champion's jaw at the {2:59 Mark}.

The Champion is 'wobbled' just as the Bell sounds ending Round 3.

Round 3 .......... {5-4| > Antonio Gomez

[Bill Paxtom]

Hey Frankie,

In 1971,

Round 3 > between Shozo Saijo vs. Antonio Gomez >

Was 'miles' better than any Round of the Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali bout.

Not a 'single' clinch, and non-stop punching.

Antonio Gomez 'floored' the Champion at {1:12} of Round 3, when he caught Shozo Saijo with a
'short' but vicious right-cross, and a follow-up left-hook as Shozo was going down.

But the WBA Featherweight Champion was 'not done', as he got up and literally beat the 'Hell' out of Antonio
for most of the rest of Round 3, until getting 'staggered' at the {2:59 Mark}.

Clearly, the 'Best Round of the Year' {1971}

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Shozo Saijo vs. Antonio Gomez ~

After a 'wild' Round 3, which could easily be nominated for 'Round of the Year'

Round 4

Was relatively mild, as both fighters fought cautiously, and were now wary of each other's
power.

The Champion {Shozo Saijo} used a long left-jab, and movement.



The Challenger {Antonio Gomez} was content to send out a left-jab while leaping forward,
and then going low to avoid any counters.

Round 4 ......... {5-5} > 'Even'

Scorecards thru 4-Rounds >
* Referee - Alfredo Garzo ........ 20-17 > {Antonio Gomez}
* Judge - Takeo Ugo .............. 20-17 > {Antonio Gomez}
* Judge - Yusaka Yoshida ....... 20-19 > {Antonio Gomez}
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Round 5

Both come out to Center-Ring, and jab while circling each other. Antonio is up on his toes, and is
moving well.

Shozo is loading up, looking for 'one-punch'. Antonio sneaks in '2' left-jabs at the {0:13 Mark}.

Antonio is now bopping on his toes, and then bending low. Shozo flicks out '2' left-jabs at the {0:18 Mark}.

Both are still at Center-Ring. Shozo scores with a good left-jab at the {0:24 Mark}. Antonio continues to
'bob-and-weave'.

Antonio is short with a left-jab at the {0:36 Mark}. Shozo comes back with a sharp left-jab that snaps
Antonio's head back.

Antonio counters with a good left-hand at the {0:38 Mark}, but misses with a second jab. Both exchange
left-jabs at the {0:44 Mark}.

Antonio goes 'flat-footed' at the {0:47 Mark}, and is looking to drop in the right-hand.

Shozo stays outside and jabs. Antonio counters with his own left-jab at the {0:54 Mark}.

Both are still at Center-Ring at the {1:02 Mark}.

Both fighters still look 'fresh' and sharp.

At the {1:04 Mark}, Shozo comes in with a right-hand lead, and a wide left-hook, as Antonio
ducks to low to avoid them.

The Champion is still throwing good punches with power.

Both fighters circle 360* at Center-Ring at the {1:14 Mark}. Then the Champion comes in with
a right-hand lead.

Shozo misses with a follow-up wild right-hand.

Antonio catches the Champion with a counter right-hand to the belly at the {1:18 Mark}, then
comes back with a long left-jab to the head.

Both are look for an opening at the {1:24 Mark}, while at Center-Ring.

Antonio sends out a 'sharp' left-jab at the {1:26 Mark}.

Shozo makes his move, and comes forward with a left-jab, but has his right-hand too low.

At the {1:27 Mark}, Antonio times Shozo coming in, and unloads with a 'vicious' right-cross
to his chin. The Champion goes down hard at Center-Ring.

Shozo is 'dpwn' at Center-Ring at the {1:28 Mark}. At the '2-Count' he rolls on his back over
on his back and puts hjs gloves by the side of his head. At the'7-Count' he slowly gets up
as Referee - Alfredo Garzo continues to count.

At the '8-Count' {1:36 Mark} Shozo Saijo rises, but he is 'badly dazed'. But Shoz tells the
Referee > "I'm ready to go.".

At the {1:40 Mark}, Shozo steps forward, but his legs nearly give ot as he slightly stumbles.

Antonio, who was in the front-right 'Netraull-Corner' comes charging in, and starts firing
away with a right to the body, and a 'left-right' uppercut to the 'dazed' Champion's chin.

At the {1:43 Mark}, the Champion reels sideways to the back-center Ropes, as Antonio
slams in a right-hook to the head and short left-hook to the head.

Shozo is 'badly hurt' now.

Antonio then 'blasts' the Champion with a 'big' right-hand to the chin. Shozo 'crashes' to the
canvas 'and he is down again' along the back Ropes at the {1:46 Mark}.



Shozo has his left-hand over the middle Ropes strand, and pulls himself up at the '2-Count'
{1:48 Mark}.

Shozo walks over to the back-right Corner {his own Corner}, and takes the 'Mandatory 8-Count'.

At the {1:56 Mark} he is ready to go on.

Shozo moves out to Center-Ring as Antonio comes in 'winging' a left-hook to the head. At the
{2:00 Mark}, Shozo 'stumbles' backwards to the right-back Ring area and into the Ropes.

Antonio is relentless with his attack, and fires in a fast '6-Punch' combination with >
> a right to the body ~ a 'double' left to the head ~ a right to the head ~ a right uppercut to the head ~
and a left-hook to the chin.

The Champion - Shozo Saijo 'crashes to the canvas a '3rd-time' at the {2:07 Mark}.

The bout is over, as the '3 Knockdown Rule' is in effect.