Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[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