Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Some Photo's ~

Antonio Gomez 'El Leon de Cumana'

Below {September 2, 1971 ~ Tokyo, Japan}

Antonio Gomez sends WBA Champion - Shozo Saijo down to the canvas at {1:28 Mark} of Round 5.
It was the first of '3' knockdowns in this Round, which was later stopped by way of the '3 Knockdown Rule'.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ June 17, 1972

Maestranza 'Cesar Giron Bull Ring' ~ Maracay, Venezuela

'Non-Title Bout'

* Antonio Gomez - 38-3-0 {19 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ 129 1/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 9 months}
vs.
* Enrique Garcia - 31-6-1 {19 KO's} ~ 5' 6 1/2" ~ 128 lbs. ~ {Age; 27 years, 1 month}
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~ The Skinny ~

WBA Featherweight Champion - Antonio Gomez {Venezuela} takes a 10-Round 'non-title'
bout to stay sharp.

Antonio last fought back on February 5, 1972 {4 1/2 months ago}, and Co-Manager
Willie Ketchum wants his fighter back in the Ring.

His opponent, is 'tough-nosed' Mexican Featherweight - Enrique 'Negro' Garcia.

Enrique is managed by; Lupe Sanchez. The {6 1/2 year} Professional has won '5-Straight'
and is World-ranked as the #17 WBC Featherweight.

Both Antonio Gomez and Enrique Garcia were supposed to face each 2-Years earlier, back
in May 1970, at the 'Olympic Auditorium' in Los Angeles, California. But Enrique pulled
out of that bout.
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~ Antonio Gomez Sails By Enrique Garcia In 'Non-Title' Go In Maracay, Venezuela ~

WBA Champion - Antonio Gomez fighting in a 'non-title' bout in front of { 9200 } fans scored a
'workman-like' 10-Round Decision over a tough but limited opponent in Mexican Featherweight
Enrique Garcia.

Gomez {129 1 /4 lbs.} looked a bit heavy, and was not as quick as he normally is. Instead, the
Venezuelan used his 'strength-and-power' to man-handle his opponent throughout the bout.

The WBA Champion had Garcia a bit 'wobbly' in Rounds 6 and 9 > but was unable to floor
the 'tough-nosed' Mexican.

The Mexican was a 'game fighter' who had an excellent defense. But Enrique Garcia {128 lbs.}
displayed very little quality boxing.

Besides being a bit heavy, Antonio Gomez was somewhat 'vague' in his attack, and was not able
to deliver his vaunted right-cross with any regularity.

Scorecards
* 99-93 > {7-1-2 in Rounds}
* 99-94 > {6-1-3 in Rounds}
* 99-93 > {7-1-2 in Rounds}

[Bill Paxtom]

June 22, 1972

~ WBA Champion - Antonio Gomez To Defend Title Against Panamanian - Ernesto Marcel ~

The 'highly-anticipated' 15-Round bout is slated for August 6th, and to be held in Maracay, Venezuela.

~ WBA Ratings ~

*** Antionio Gomez
#1 . Ernesto Marcel
#2 . Eder Jofre
#3 . Clemente Sanchez > {WBC Champion}
#4 . Vicente Saldivar
#5 . Kuniaki Shibata
#6 . Tahar Ben Hassen
#7 . Jose Legra
#8 . Danny Lopez
#9 . Bert Nabalatan
#10. Jose Luis Del Campo
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June 30, 1972

It was released today that the WBA Featherweight Championship bout between Champion -
Antonio Gomez and Challenger - Ernesto Marcel has been re-scheduled from August 6th
to August 19th.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ August 19, 1972

Maestranza 'Cesar Giron Bull Ring' ~ Maracay, Venezuela

~ WBA Featherweight Championship ~

Attendance ..... { 12,650 } 'Sell-Out'

* WBA Champion ~ Antonio Gomez - 39-3-0 {19 KO's} ~ 5' 6" ~ Reach; 68" ~ 123 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 11 months}
vs.
#1 WBA-Ranked ~ Ernesto Marcel - 33-3-2 {20 KO's} ~ 5' 7" ~ Reach; 68" ~ 124 3/4 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 3 months}
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~ The Skinny ~

This bout will be Antonio's '2nd' Title Defense, since winning the WBA Championship on September 2, 1971.

Antonio has been experiencing problems with his quadrilaterals and lower-back, and has been taking it easy
in sparring-sessions.

The 'word' is, that Antonio has been sliding, and that he is no longer the quick-puncher that he once was.

The early Betting-Line had favored Antonio at {5-3}, but the odds have 'dropped', and now it is an 'Even Money'
bout.

Antonio Gomez >
"I will win by a Knockout by Round 12. He is fast, but eventually I will catch the Panamanian. My right-hand
is still the best punch in the division."

"He is very quick, but he can be hit."

"I have been experiencing pains in my legs {quadrilaterals}, and in my lower-back. I 've had to take it easy for a
few days. But I will ready the 'day of the fight'. It will get better, as it is something that I have experienced before.
I am used to it."

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~ The Skinny ~

Ernesto Marcel wil be challenging for a World Title for a 2nd time. Back on November 11, 1971 > Ernesto travelled
to Japan to take on WBC Champion - Kuniaki Shibata.

In that bout, which was one of the 'Best' ever at Featherweight, Ernesto gave the Champion a battering thru
12-Rounds. But Shibata put forth an amazing late-rally to 'save' his Championship by a 'Draw'. But many
Sportswriters had Ernesto winning, and the Decision was 'justly disputed'.

'Ring Magazine' has listed Ernesto Marcel as the #1 Featherweight, ahead of Champion - Antonio Gomez
who has 'slipped' to #4 despite being the WBA Champion.

[Bill Paxtom]

August 19, 1972

~ WBA Featherweight Championship ~

Antonio Gomez vs. Ernesto Marcel
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The Challenger - Ernesto Marcel

Ernesto 'Nato' Marcel is a talented boxer, with the quickest-hands and feet in boxing.
The Panamanian {Age; 24 years, 4 months} is at his peak physically, and is a superior
boxer and Ring General.

A Professional for {6 years, 4 months} since April 1966, the young Panamanian is well
experienced in '38-Bouts.'

Ernesto is a 'punches-in-bunches' machine, and seems to have immense amounts of
non-stop energy.

Since fighting to a 'controversial' Draw 15 with WBC Champion - Kuniaki Shibata on
November 11, 1971 > Ernesto has scored back-to-back 'blistering' 1st-Round Knockouts
over quality opponents.

* June 10, 1972 ...... {KO 1} over Jose Luis Lopez
* February 5, 1972 .. {KO 1} over Jose Smecca

Ernesto has also been called the 'Venezuelan Smasher', as he has defeated '4' quality Venezuelan
opponents in hs career, including former WBA Super-Featherweight Champion - Alfredo Marcano
'twice' earlier in his career, back on October 31, 1970 and again on May 4, 1971.

Ernesto 'Nato' Marcel >
"I will win by a clear victory, maybe by Knockout, if it comes. I do not pick the Round, as I am
not Cassius Clay."

"I have put in 100 Rounds of sparring in 4-weeks. I am in 'perfect' physical condition."

"I know what I have to do to win. Constant pressure and movement. You cannot stand in front
of Antonio and let him get set. He has problems with boxers who move, as his footwork is not
his strong suit."

[Bill Paxtom]

~ August 19, 1972 ~

WBA Featherweight Championship

~ Pre-Fight Plan ~

Champion ~ Antonio Gomez
* Promoter/Manager ........ Ramiro Machado
* Trainer ......................... Hely 'Ely' Montes
* Trainer/Co-Manager ...... Willie Ketchum

Fight Purse .................... { $75,000 }

To put 'steady-pressure' on Ernesto Marcel, and force him to back-up. Do not try to match
boxing-skills with the fast-handed boxer early.

Keep a steady-pace, but do not waste energy chasing the fleet-footed Panamanian. You may
have to give away a few Rounds over the first half-of-the-bout.

Start to work the body during the middle-Rounds {6 -thru- 9}, in an attempt to slow him down.

Start the big-punch attack in Round 10.

Challenger ~ Ernesto Marcel
Promoter ........ Carlos Eleta
Manager ......... Harmodio Icaza
Trainer ........... Ramon 'Curro' Dossman

Fight Purse ........ { $15,000 } > Plus an additional { $5000 } 'ancillary fee' for Central America Television rights.

To keep moving and utilize the hand-speed advantage. Stay on the attack early over the 'slow-starting'
Champion, to build up a points-lead over the first-half of the bout.

Attack with combinations, to keep the Champion on the defensive during the middle-Rounds {7, 8 and 9}.

Cruise in Rounds {9, 10 and 11}, and to catch a 'second-wind'.

Come on strong in Rounds 12, 13 and 14.

Play Round 15 'by ear' depending on the situation.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ August 19, 1972

Maestranza 'Cesar Giron Bull Ring' ~ Maracay, Venezuela

Attendance { 12,650 }

~ It Was A Beautiful Night In Maracay, Just Not For The Champion - Antonio Gomez ~

Panamanian Challenger - Ernesto Marcel took control of the Championship Bout from the 'Opening Bell'
and gave the Champion a 'one-sided' beating.

During the first 5-Rounds, Ernesto Marcel was 'magnificent', as he scored with all his weapons and
left Antonio talking to himself.

The 24 year-old Panamanian scored with left-jabs, right-hand leads and 'swift-combinations' to
Antonio Gomez' face, snapping the Champion's head sideways numerous times during the first '5-Rounds'.

Ernesto at {5' 7"} and weighing in at {124 3/4 lbs.} moved like lightning, and fought at a very fast, but
controlled pace.

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~ The Bout ~

Round 1 ...... Ernesto threw {18 Punches} in an 'Even' Round ......................................... {10-10} 'Even'

Round 2 ...... Ernesto threw {28 Punches} and dominated the 2nd-Half of the Round. ..... {10-9} > Ernesto Marcel

Round 3 ...... Ernesto threw {69 Punches} and dominated the entire action. ................... {10-9} > Ernesto Marcel
> Ernesto 'head-butted' Antonio, and also hit him low with a left uppercut.

Round 4 ...... Ernesto threw {67 Punches} and was the clear effective fighter ................. {10-9} > Ernesto Marcel
> Antonio did catch Ernesto with a good right-hand in the middle of the Round and shook him up, but he did not follow up.

Round 5 ...... Ernesto threw {39 Punches} and rocked Antonio several times. ................. {10-10} > 'Even'
> Antonio caught Ernesto with a big right-uppercut into the 'mid-section' that wobbled him at the {2:21 Mark}.
< Antonio also 'jarred' Ernesto late with a solid left-hook to the chin.

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{Below} > At the end of Round 5, a 'dejected' Champion walked back to his corner. There, his handlers
were asking him what was going on. > "You're letting him take control. You must back him up."

Antonio Gomez > "He's too fast. He moves quickly, and he punches very hard."

Antonio Gomez would 'stand' in his Corner between Rounds.



Round 6 ...... Ernesto threw an amazing {77} punches, as he over-whelmed Antonio with a violent attack. .... {10-9} > Ernesto Marcel
> Ernesto 'staggered' Antonio with a 'vicious' right-hand at the {1:20 Mark}.
> Ernesto drove Antonio in the front-right Corner, and battered him for 40-Seconds.
> Antonio started to fight back at the {2:00 Mark}, as Ernesto slowed down.
> But, Ernesto came right back like 'gangbusters', and battered the Champion with a non-stop bombardment.
> And, Ernesto 'staggered' Antonio again, by smashing him with another right-hand to the head at the {2:48 Mark}
> Antonio was on the front-Ropes at the Bell, taking a 'shellacking'.

> After the Bell > Antonio called Ernesto a "Negro" {Nigger}, as he was walking back to his Corner.
> Ernesto heard the 'slur', and turned and called Antonio > "a maricon" {Faggot}.

Round 7 .... Ernesto went wild, and threw an unbelievable {84] punches in this Round ................................ {10-9} > Ernesto Marcel
> Ernesto came out very fast, and kept up with 'constant-flow' of punches, but many did miss.
> Ernesto then drove Antonio into the front-left Corner, and 'bombed' away until the {0:40 Mark}.
> Then, Ernesto caught Antonio with vicious 'left-right' at the {0:45 Mark}, that drove him to the back Ropes.
> Ernesto then let go with a 'blistering attack' while Antonio was on the Ropes.
> But, Ernesto started to tire at the {2:00 Mark}, and slowed down 'big time'.
> Antonio started to get his punches going at the {2:10 Mark}, and was 'finally' moving Ernesto.
> But again, Ernesto came right back with a 'two-fisted' attack, and battered the Champion into the back-Ropes
> The Champion was now 'bleeding' from the Nose, and his left-cheek area was 'puffy'.
> But then in a 'flash', at the {2:54 Mark}, Antonio 'nailed' Ernesto with a counter right-hook to the chin that buckled Ernesto's legs.
> Ernesto was 'dazed'.
> Antonio then hammered in another right to the head, '2' left uppercuts underneath and into the body, and then a right to the head.
> Moments later the 'Bell' sounded, ending Round 7.

Round 8 ..... Ernesto threw {56} punches, and dominated the 2nd-Half of the Round with a vicious assault...... {10-9} > Ernesto Marcel
> Ernesto fought 'slow-paced' over the first {1:00}, and only threw {4] half-hearted punches.
> In the meantime, Antonio was aggressive and stalked the Challenger during this session.
> Ernesto continued to 'circle-and-move'.
> By the {1:30 Mark}, Ernesto had only thrown {5} punches.
> Then just past the halfway-point in the Round, Ernesto 'exploded' with a {10} punch assault that rocked the Champion.
> Then, Ernesto worked the Champion over with a {15} punch-barrage over the next 33-Seconds, while driving him into the back Ropes.
> At the {2:25 Mark} Ernesto 'hurt' Antonio with a right-hand lead.
> Ernesto then went on a 'tear' and unloaded {25} punches on a 'dazed' Antonio over the next 36-Seconds, until the Bell.

> After the Bell, Ernesto Marcel looked at the Referee and said > "He's got nothing. You should stop it."
> Antonio then said to Ernesto > "Fuck you Negro."
> Ernesto walked after Antonio and responded with > "You're finished Maricon."