Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

1971

~ Ring 'KO' Mundial ~

On September 17, 1971

The WBA {World Boxing Association} voted Antonio Gomez as 'Boxer of the Month'.



[I][/~ WBA Ratings ~I]

*** Antonio Gomez
#1 . Eder Jofre
#2 . Ernesto Marcel
#3 . Kuniaki Shibata > {WBC Champion}
#4 . Shozo Saijo
#5 . Godfrey Stevens
#6 . Vicente Saldivar
#7 . Tarban Ben Hassen
#8 . Frankie Crawford
#9 . Jose Legra
#10. Jose Smecca

[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}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ 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.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ November 6, 1971

~ Antonio Gomez Halts Argentinian In 7, In 'Non-Title' Bout ~

WBA Featherweight Champion - Antonio Gomez took apart veteran Argentinian
Jose Smecca and halted his opponent in Round 7 by a TKO.

Fighting in front of 12,000 Venezuelans at the Nuevo Circo, Gomez {127 1/4 lbs.}
battered the Smecca {128 3/4 lbs.} with a series of combinations, forcing the
Referee - Alex Bricenas to call a halt to bout at 2:02 of Round 7.

The bout got off to a slow start, as both fighter spent the first 3 Rounds circling, by
exhibiting an excellent defense, much like the {art of fencing}.

The Argentinian was the first to attack, and in Round 4 the taller Smecca scored with
his long left-jab, as Gomez did his 'bob-and-weave' to stay low.

But the Venezuelan opened up in the next Round {Round 5}, and put heavy-pressure
on his opponent by jabbing his way, and hitting the body with hooks while in close.

Gomez had a solid Round 6 as well, as he tagged Smecca with several right-hand leads
to send him backwards and covering up.

In Round 7, it was all Gomez, as he battered the Argentinian with left-hooks to the head
and right-crosses to the chin.

By the {1:00 Mark}, Smecca was bleeding from the mouth and was covering up along
the Ropes. At the {1:30 Mark} Gomez caught the Argentinian with a double left-hook to
the chin and a short right-cross to the jaw.

Smecca went down to one-knee, and took a '7-Count' before rising. But the Argentinian
wanted to continue.

But 20-Seconds later, the Argentinian was 'defenseless' on the Ropes, as Gomez was
sending in a barrage of punches on Smecca, when the Referee smartly called a halt to
the bout.

Antonio Gomez received a Fight Purse of { $20,000 } for his 'non-title' effort.

Jose Smecca received { $5000 } plus expenses.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ November 20, 1971

Monumental Plaza de Toros 'Bull Ring' ~ Monterrey, Mexico

Attendance ..... { 13,800 } 'Sell-Out'

* Antonio Gomez ~ 36-2-0 {18 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 130 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 3 months}
vs.
* Raul Martinez Mora ~ 33-4-0 {17 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 128 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 8 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Antonio Gomez 'signed' for this 'non-title' bout on November 10th, with Mexican Promoter
Enrique Cessna.

Antonio signed for a Fight Purse of { $15,000 }, for what he expected was an 'easy' tune-up
against a 'little-known' Mexican Featherweight.

Antonio had last fought on Saturday - November 6th {only 2-Weeks earlier}, where he stopped
{TKO 7} Argentinian - Jose Smecca in a 'non-title' bout.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Raul Martinez Mora, who is from Mexico City, is a cagey 5' 6" boxer, with good movement. The
5 1/2 Year Professional is not a big-puncher, and relies on an 'annoying-style' of;
> Holding, Hitting and then Running.

Basically, Raul is 'a runner'. But despite that, Raul is rated as the #2 Mexican Featherweight.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny II ~

The Antonio Gomez - Raul Martinez Mora bout is the 'Co-Main Event' along with >

A WBC Featherweight Eliminator between > Clemente Sanchez vs. Tarban Ben Hassen

* Oddly, the WBC is promoting and sponsoring this event, with the WBA Featherweight
Champion participating in a 'non-title' event.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ November 20, 1971

Monumental Plaza de Toros 'Bull Ring' ~ Monterrey, Mexico

~ Antonio Gomez Gets Shaken Down In Monterrey, Mexico ~

Antonio Gomez, the WBA Feathwerweght Champion engaged in a 10-Round 'non-title'
bout with Mexican Featherweight - Raul Martinez Mora.

After 10-Rounds of > 'chasing, hitting and holding' > the little-known Mexican was awarded
a Unanimous 10-Round Decision by the '3' Scoring Officials.

While the Decision was announced, a 'stunned' corner of Antonio Gomez put their hands
to the sides of their heads in disbelief.

Even the 'Sell-Out' crowd of { 13,800 } who were sitting in the Plaza de Toros were 'shocked'
at the Decision.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antonio Gomez {130 lbs.} came in {+4 lbs.} over the featherweight limit, and appeared 'sluggish'
over the first 3-Rounds, as he pressed the ever-moving Raul Martinez Mora {128 1/4 lbs.}

The Mexican had his best early moments in Round 4, as he tagged the Venezuelan with several
chopping right-hand leads, and then 'grabbed-and-held', to prevent Gomez from following up with
a counter.

But Gomez used his vast-experience and strength to take the next 4-Rounds {5, 6, 7 and 8} by using
constant pressure and left-jabs with authority, to keep Mora on the outside-and-running.

In Round 9, Raul Martinez Mora was able to stall the Venezuelan by employing a tactic of >
* A double left-jab.
* Move in-close quickly.
* Then use his left-arm to grab Antonio's right-arm.
* Slam '2' right-hands into Antonio Gomez' left-side
* Then grab both of Gomez' arms.
* Wait for the Referee to call 'Break'
* Flee away fast, and run backwards.

Again in Round 10, the cagey 25 1/2 year-old Mexican used the same tactic as in Round 9, as
Antonio Gomez became frustrated with his opponents 'jab-and-stall' style.

At no time in the bout, was Antonio Gomez able to land his powerful right-cross on the 'cagey'
Mexican.

Scorecards
* 96-95 > {5-4-1 in Rounds} > Raul Martinez Mora
* 96-95 > {5-4-1 in Rounds} > Raul Martinez Mora
* 96-95 > {5-4-1 in Rounds} > Raul Martinez Mora

Fight Purses
* Antonio Gomez ....... { $15,000 } = {2015 Value = $78,000}
* Raul Martinez Mora .... { $2500 } = {2015 Value = $13,000}

[Bill Paxtom]

November 24, 1971

~ Antonio Gomez Still Upset With Scoring In Mexico ~

Antonio Gomez >

It was a 'bad' Decision by the Officials. He {Raul Martinez Mora} ran all night.
Each time that I moved in and threw a jab, he grabbed me {my left arm}, and
then hit me with a pitty-pat punch.

Then when the Referee called 'Break', he took off running like a Galloping Horse.
How does a Judge score a Round for a fighter like that.

All night he was throwing light left-jabs and running. Not once did he land a
good punch.

I am quite unhappy. I would say he 'stole the fight', as he spent the whole time
running and flicking out left-jabs while moving away from me.

Not once did I feel like a loser.

We watched the fight {Film} 3-Times, and we only scored 2-Rounds for Mora,
the 4th and the 10th.

I was doing all the work and made the fight. I easily won Rounds 5, 6, 7 and 8.

I will say, that the Mexican had a good defense, but he landed very few punches.

It was a 'surprise' Decision by the Mexican Officials. Everyone was shocked.

Every sports-writer at Ringside scored the bout for me. 'Ring Mundial' had it for
me by 3-Points {98-95}, that's 5-2-3 in Rounds.

And 'Gondel Publications' had it for me by a {98-96} score = 4-2-4 in Rounds.

I can agree with that.

[Bill Paxtom]

November 25, 1971

[I][/Ramiro Machado {Fight Promoter/Manager for Antonio GomezI]

That bout in Monterrey. An absolute embarrassment. That guy {Raul Martinez Mora}
ran all night.

The Promoter {Enrique Cessna} had promised me 'fair officials'. That was complete
'Bull Shit'.

It should have been ruled 'No Contest', as Mora did not come to fight, he came to hold
and run.

He's not a bad fighter, because he had '33' wins somewhere. {A record of 33-4-0}. He
had some skills, as he had an 'extraordinary-technique' of holding-and-hitting. But he
wouldn't exchange with Antonio, and he ran all night.

A fight is scored by who lands the effective 'punches', not by 'running'.

I wont say that the '3' Officials were corrupt, but I completely and 100% disagree with the
scoring and Decision. That kid didn't win '5' Rounds. The Judges all carded the same
Scorecard. I find that 'odd'.

The next time we fight Raul Martinez Mora, we should go to a 'Racetrack'.

[Bill Paxtom]

November 26, 1971 {UPI}

~ Promoter Warns Of WBC's Fate ~

Venezuelan - Ramiro Machado Says That ,The WBC Is Digging Its Own Grave. ~

Venezuelan Boxing Promoter - Ramiro Machado warned today that the World Boxing Council
may be 'digging-its-own-grave'.

With the recent series of WBC-sanctioned bouts, many of the Decisions have been 'highly
controversial' in many of the big bouts.

Ramiro Machado >
"The WBC is on its way out. The Mexico City based Boxing Council has been filled with
corruption. And it will soon disappear."

Ramiro Machado's own fighter {WBA Champion - Antonio Gomez} lost a 'disputed' last Saturday
{November 20th} in Monterrey, Mexico > and with numerous WBC Officials in attendance.

Ramiro Machado >
"The WBC is digging its own grave, and if it continues through its lack-of-seriousness and organization
it will die in Mexico City."

"They conceal absurd Decisions, have outright robberies in bouts with World Titles at stake, and also
have hidden Ratings."

"I can understand a 'local Decision' can take place in some bouts, as it happens all over the World.
But if you look closely, you will notice that all of them have been bouts that were 'sponsored' by
the WBC."

"Take a look at the bout between the WBC Champion - Pedro Carrasco and Challenger - Mando Ramos
in Madrid, Spain on November 5th. An outright 'robbery' of the tallest order. That bout is the 'negation'
of boxing."

[Bill Paxtom]

December 1971

~ WBA Ratings ~

*** Antonio Gomez
#1 . Eder Jofre
#2 . Ernesto Marcel
#3 . Kuniaki Shibata {WBC Champion}
#4 . Jose Legra
#5 . Clemente Sanchez
#6 . Vicente Saldivar
#7 . Shozo Saijo
#8 . Godfrey Stevens
#9 . Frankie Crawford
#10. Raul Martinez Mora

On November 7, 1971 >

Ramiro Machado signed up Antonio Gomez to defend his WBA Featherweight Championship
against the Spain-based Cuban - Jose Legra who was ranked at #4 WBA.

The bout was set for Saturday Night ~ December 11, 1971 > and at the Nuevo Circo in Caracas, Venezuela.

Antonio Gomez was to recieve a Fight Purse of { $50,000 } and according to Oswaldo Sanchez
{Manager for Jose Legra}, his fighter was to receive { $10,000 } plus the 'ancillary rights' to
all of Europe, and the Caribbean Islands.

[Bill Paxtom]

December 1, 1971

~ Jose Legra Has A Bout With Influenza, Forced To Withdraw From WBA Title Bout ~

Manager - Oswaldo Sanchez stated the his fighter has been battling the 'Flu Bug' since early November.
And that over the past month, they were hoping that the Cuban-born boxer would 'shake' the lingering
Flu.

Jose Legra was set to challenge WBA Featherweight Champion - Antonio Gomez on Saturday Night,
December 11th in Caracas, Venezuela.

Oswaldo Sanchez has asked for a 4-Week postponement, until mid-January 1972.

Oswaldo Sanchez >
"I know that Mr. Ramiro Machado wanted this bout to go on in Caracas, Venezuela. But for me to put my
weakened fighter {Jose Legra} in the Ring with a powerful Champion like Antonio Gomez is just not
'a smart decision'.

Jose Legra, a 27 1/2 year-old Cuban-born boxer, has lived in Barcelona, Spain since October 1963.

Jose is also the former WBC Featherweight Champion from {July 24, 1968 -thru- January 21, 1969}. Currently,
Legra is the European Featherweight Champion, and has held that Title for 18-Months, since June 26, 1970.

The Cuban is a 'brilliant' boxer and 'masterful' Ring Technician, who has an incredible record of
123-8-4 with {48 KO's} over an 11-year span.

Legra is ranked as a Featherweight at; #4 WBA and #7 WBC.

[Bill Paxtom]

December 3, 1971

~ Mexican Promoter Offers Antonio Gomez $60,000 To Defend His WBA Championship On Christmas Day ~

Mexican Fight Promoter - Enrique Cessna, after hearing that the Antonio Gomez vs. Jose Legra WBA Championship
bout for December 11th has been cancelled, immediately made a move.

Enrique Cessna has offered the WBA Featherweight Champion { $60,000 } to defend his Title against hard-punching
Mexican Knockout-Artist - Clemente Sanchez.

The promoter wants the bout to be held in the early Evening {8:00 PM} on 'Christmas Day' December 25th, in either
Monterrey {Nuveo Leon} or Tijuana.

Clemente Sanchez {Age; 24 years, 4 months} is from Monterrey, Mexico. Clemente is considered the 'hardest'
right-hand puncher in the Featherweight Division, with his record of 37-7-3 with {30 KO's}.

Currently, Clemente is ranked at #3 WBC and #5 WBA.

Since May 1968 {3 1/2 years}, Clemente has gone 24-1-1 with {23 KO's}. In his most recent outing, Clemente
scored a {TKO 8} over #7 World-Rated - Tahar Ben Hassen in a WBC Elimination bout on November 20th.

That night {November 20th} on the same 'Fight Card' - Antonio Gomez was 'upset' by Raul Martinez Mora by
a disputed and 'highly-controversial' 10-Round Decision.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 4, 1971

~ Ramiro Machado Not Interested In High-Price Offer ~

Ramiro Machado >
"I'm not brining my fighter {Antonio Gomez} to Mexico for any offer. Even one for { $60,000 }. Not after what
happened to us 2-Weeks ago in Monterrey."

"That was a horrible Decision against Antonio. They're not going to steal our WBA Championship from us.
Antonio had worked too hard, and waited too long to get it. They can keep their { $60,000 }."

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ December 10, 1971

Nuevo Circo ~ Caracas, Venezuela

10-Round 'non-title' Bout

* Antonio Gomez ~ 36-3-0 {18 KO"s} ~ 5' 6" ~ 128 3/4 lbs. ~ Reach; 67" ~ {Age; 26 years, 3 months}
vs.
* Esteban Dejesus ~ 26-0-0 {18 KO's} ~ 5' 4 1/2" ~ 130 1/2 lbs. ~ Reach; 67" ~ {Age; 20 years, 4 months}
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Antonio Gomez, who had a scheduled bout with Jose Legra for the WBA Championship on December 11th
{which was postponed} wants to get into the Ring.

Antonio last fought 3-Weeks earlier{November 20th} in Monterrey, Mexico -> where he lost a 'highly controversial'
10-Round Decision {non-title bout} to 'unranked' Mexican - Raul Martinez Mora.

Antonio has been in the Gym for '18' consecutive days, and he is in near 'perfect shape'.

Antonio, who was supposed to get a Fight Purse of { $50,000 } for his Title Defense against Jose Legra, is to
get { $25,000 } from the' Santa Teresa Promotions' to keep this 'Fight Date' going.

Antonio Gomez >
"I'm in great shape, and I want to honor my end of the earlier signed 'fight contract'. This kid {Esteban Dejesus}
is very good, as I have sparred with him at least a 'dozen times' over the past 2-Months"

"This will be a great bout, and the Venezuelan fans will be in for an exciting night."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Esteban DeJesus ~

Estabam {Age; 20 years, 4 months} is a fast-rising boxer. Esteban is 'undefeated' with a record of 26-0-0 {18 KO's},
and is also the Puerto Rican Lightweight Champion.

In the World Rankings, Estaban is ranked as the #10 Super-Featherweight, and is trained by Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez

For the 'kicker'

Estaban left Puerto Rico for Venezuala in late-September 1971, and has been in Caracas for 2 1/2 months. During
that time, Esteban has had '3-Bouts', and has won all of them impressively, including defeating the 'talented'
Leonel Hernandez on October 6th by a well-fought 10-Round Decision.

Estaban last fought 6-Week ago {October 30th in Caracas}, and he was supposed to fight on the 'undercard' of
the Antonio Gomez - Jose Legra Championship bout.

So, Estaban is in shape at {130 1/2 lbs.}.

Esteban DeJesus >
"I was preparing for bout for this date anyway. So I'm ready. This will be a very difficult challenge, but I cannot
pass up the opportunity, both financially and for name recognition."

"If I win, I have been promised a World Championship bout for the {130 lb. ~ Super-Featherweight Title} against
WBA Champion ~ Alfredo Marcano {Venezuela} here in February 1972.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ December 10, 1971

Nuevo Circo ~ Caracas, Venezuela

~ Antonio Gomez Edges Puerto Rican Champ In 'Non-Title' Bout ~

~ Controversial Decision Goes Against Puerto Rican ~

WBA Featherweight Champion - Antonio Gomez edged out a controversial Decision
Decision over a 'pesky-and-frisky' Esteban Dejesus of Puerto Rico in a 10-Round
'non-title' bout in Caracas, Venezuela.

Fighting before a hometown crowd of { 8700 } at the Nuevo Circo, the hometown hero
rallied over the last 2-Rounds to win a 'close' 10-Round Decision.

The bout was not smooth sailing for Gomez {128 3/4 lbs.} over the first 4-Rounds, as
the 20 year-old DeJesus {131 lbs.} outworked the Champion with a busy attack of
left-hooks and straight right-hands.

But the patient Champion used his experience to put constant-pressure on the Puerto Rican
Lightweight Champion during the later-Rounds. Gomez used heavy left-jabs, and added
'left-and-right' hooks to the body, in an effort to slow the 'fast-and-quick' youngster down.

But the shorter Puerto Rican would not back down, and came back with a solid offense time
and again, as he landed his hard left-hook to Gomez' head several times, and rocked the
Champion's head several times throughout the bout.

But Gomez rallied back in Round 9, and 'jarred' DeJesus with a hard counter right-cross to the
jaw, as the punch went over the Puerto Rican's low left-hand and into his 'chin' at the {2:10 Mark}.

DeJesus was in some trouble late in the Round as Gomez unleashed with a 'barrage', but the
younger fighter worked his way out of danger by moving-and-backing away until the Bell.

With the bout on the line, Gomez proved to be 'stronger' during the 10th Round, as the 20 year-old
visitor faded, and was not as busy as he was during the first 7-Rounds of the bout.

Scorecards
* 97-96 = {4-3-3 in Rounds} > Antonio Gomez
* 98-97 = {3-2-5 in Rounds} > Antonio Gomez
* 97-96 = {4-3-3 in Rounds} > Antonio Gomez
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ After Bout Comments ~

Antonio Gomez >
"I knew that it was going to be a tough fight, and it was. Esteban is a very, very good fighter. He gave
me a good tussle tonight. With a little more experience he will become a great fighter, and a World Champion."

Esteban Dejesus >
"I was doing great, until he caught me with that right-hand in Round 9. I didn't know where I was for the
last 2-Rounds. But I still thought that I had won. I carried the fight for the first 7-Rounds."

"He {Antonio Gomez} is very smart, and very strong. I will chalk this up as a learning experience. It will only
make me a more complete fighter down the road."

[Bill Paxtom]

January 6, 1972

~ Antonio Gomez and Raul Martinez Mora Sign For Rematch ~

WBA Featherweight Champion - Antonio Gomez of Venezuela will make his 1st Title Defense
against Mexico's - Rail Martinez Mora.

The bout has been set for February 12th, in Maracay, Venezuela

Gomez fought and lost a 'disputed' 10-Round Decision to Mora on November 20, 1971 in
Monterrey, Mexico.

It was a 'non-title' bout, and the fight card was sponsored by the WBC. The 'controversy'
was in that Raul Martinez Mora 'ran all night' and was awarded the 10-Round Decision.

Yet, all '8' journalists at Ringside, and '3' Mexican Newspapers all called the bout for
Antonio Gomez.

Raul Martinez Mora, who was 'unranked' before that bout, is now ranked as the #10 WBA
Featherweight, and also #10 WBC Featherweight.

The little known Featherweight from Mexico City is now Mexico's newest 'boxing sensation'
following that 'upset win'.

The Mexican {Age 25 years, 11 months} has a record of 34-4-0 with {17 KO's}, and is known as 'The Spoiler'.

The WBA Champion - Antonio Gomez {Age; 26 years, 5 months} has a record of 37-3-0 {18 KO's].

[Bill Paxtom]

Sunday ~ January 22, 1972

~ WBA Featherweight Championship Bout Moved Up To February 5th in Maracay, Venezuela ~

The WBA Featherweight Championship bout between Champion - Antonio Gomez and
#10 WBA-ranked Challenger - Raul Martinez Mora has been moved up 1-Week to
Saturday - February 5th, from the original date of February 12th.

Venezuelan Promoter - Ramiro Machado stated that the bout had to be moved up, as to not
coincide with the Circus Festival being held that week in Maracay.

Raul Martinez Mora >
"I had to take 10-Days off because of Military Service {Raul Martinez Mora is Platoon Leader in
the Mexican Military}.

"I was out from January 12th -thru- January 22nd. But that is fine with me, because I always
stay in shape. I would have preferred to have those 10-Days in the Gym, but this is what happens
in Boxing when you are challenging for a World Title."

"Now they moved the bout up 7-Days, and I lose 10-Days from the Gym because of my
Military commitment."

"I will resume my training today, and plan to travel to Maracay later this week."

Antonio Gomez>
"It has been moved up 7-Days. That is all-right with me, as I have been in the Gym
since January 5th."

"I'm in much better condition now, than when I fought Raul Martinez Mora 2-Months
ago {November 20th}.