Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ November 6, 1971

Nuevo Circo {New Circus} ~ Caracas, Venezuela

* Antonio Gomez ~ 35-2-0 {17 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 127 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 2 months}
vs.
* Jose Smecca ~ 41-9-8 {21 KO's} ~ 5' 7 1/2" ~ 128 3/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 35 years, 10 months}
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~ The Skinny ~

This was supposed to be Antono Gomez' 1st-Title Defense, and his 'home-coming' bout
as a Champion from Venezuela, only 2-Months after defeating Shozo Saijo in Japan to
capture the Title.

This bout was originally scheduled for October 29th, but the bout was pushed back 1-Week.

It was also supposed to be for the WBA Featherweight Championship, but Jose Smecca could not
make weight, so it was changed to a 'non-title' bout.
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~ The Skinny II ~

Jose Smecca is the #10 WBA-ranked Featherweight. The 16-year veteran Argentinian, is a true
Professional, who is tall at {5' 7 1/2"} and brings with him a long 70" Reach.

Jose is a smooth boxing technician, with a good left jab and who is also a smart counter-puncher.

Jose has been the Argentinian Featherweight Champion since March 9, 1968 {3 1/2 years}, who has
gone 'unbeaten' {8-0-3} over his last 11-Bouts.

As a side note {Brotherly Love} > Jose fought Antonio's older brother {Pedro Gomez} to a 10-Round
'Draw' back on September 6, 1968 in Caracas, Venezuela.
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~ The Deal ~

Jose Smecca signed for this bout on October 22nd, so he has only had a 'short time' to prepare. Jose
who started to train while weighing in at 138 lbs., could only get down to 128 3/4 lbs.

So, the bout is a 'non-title' bout. Obviously if Jose wins, he will get a Championship Bout within
60-Days, and with ample time to get ready.