Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[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}