Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ September 2, 1971

~ After Bout Comments ~

Antonio Gomez >

"The Japanese Champion {Shozo Saijo} is still a good fighter. He has the biggest heart of
any fighter that I have ever faced."

"I had him down in the 3rd-Round, with the best short right-hook that I have ever thrown.
I don't know how he got up. Not only that, he fought back even harder after the knockdown."

"He's still a good fighter. He's fast and keeps coming."

"I have no scratches on me. I am happy with the way I fought, for my 'Wife' and '6' children.
I want to keep the Title for 3-Years, to make a lot of money before I retire in {1974}."

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Shozo Saijo >

"Antonio had too much speed for me tonight. He also was ducking-and-weaving, and that threw
me off. But, I have no excuses. He beat me fair and square."

"I want to fight him again. Hopefully within 4-Months. I guess I will have to go to Caracas, Venezuela
as the Challenger {this time}."

"I'm having trouble getting down to Featherweight {126 lbs.}. I think I can make that weight
only 'one more time'. After that, it's up to the Super-Featherweights {130 lbs.}."