Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ August 19, 1972

~ Ernesto Marcel Takes WBA Title From Antonio Gomez ~

Young Panamanian Challenger - Ernesto Marcel battered WBA Feathwerweight Champion - Antonio Gomez
from the 'opening bell', and throughout in a one-sided 15-Round bout.

The 24 year-old Panamanina used lightning hand-speed with quick combinations, as well as fast right-hand
leads, as he gave the 27 year-old Champion from Venezuela a bad-beating in nearly every Round.

Ernesto Marcel 'shook up' the Champion in Rounds {6, 7, 8, and 9}, and had Gomez on the Ropes while
dishing out flurries to the head and face.

By the 10th Round, Antonio Gomez was bleeding from the mouth, nose and right-eye brow, as well as
having puffy eye-lids. At no time did the Champion look like a winner, as he was unable to deliver
his vaunted right-hand, except for a few brief times during Rounds {4, 5 and 10}.

The Challenger was unable to floor the Champion, despite having him in serious trouble several times
during the 11th Round.

The fast-handed and fleet-footed Panamanian cruised over the last 4-Rounds, and won a one-sided and
convincing Decision, despite {1} Official having an absurd Scorecard, by calling the bout a 'Draw'.

Scorecards
* Judge - Carlos R. Cataya ...... 146-146 > 'Even'
* Judge - Santos Arizmendi ..... 148-141 > Ernesto Marcel
* Referee - Luis Salbaran ........ 148-144 > Ernesto Marcel

The Associated Press scored the bout > 148-139 for Ernesto Marcel.
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Antonio Gomez >
"My opponent beat me. He clearly won. I just couldn't get going tonight, and I want to say that I'm sorry
to my supporters here in Caracas."

Ernesto Marcel >
"I knew that Antonio could not match me in speed. So I just kept throwing punches and I prevented
him from getting set to throw his powerful right-hand.

"If he wants a rematch, I will give him one. He was a good Champion, and he gave me an opportunity
to fight for the WBA Championship when I asked for one. I'll always respect him for that. He didn't
make excuses."

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Antonio Gomez ~

September 15, 1972

"I will take some time off, to rest. I am {Age; 27 years-old} now, and it is more
difficult to prepare for fights now. When I was younger, it was much easier."

"I will most likely not box for the rest of the year, as I have been experiencing
problems with my back and 'quadrilaterals'. I will return in 1973, and will get my
Title back."