Antonio Gomez ~ "El Leon de Cumana"

[Bill Paxtom]

~ Antonio Gomez ~

"El Leon de Cumana"

The great Featherweight from Cumana, Venezuela.

One of the most 'under-rated' Featherweight Boxers ever.



Turned professional on February 28, 1967 {Age; 21 years, 6 months}.

The 5' 6" power-pack 'boxer-puncher' had fast-hands, with great overall boxing skills. The
Venezuelan's called him ........ 'The Natural Talent'.

A pure 'gifted boxer' with the Heart of a Lion.

After 21-Months as a Professional, Antonio complied a record of 18-1-0 {7 KO's}, defeating
many other up-and-coming Featherweights in Venezuela.

Antonio's only loss was in his '8th' Pro Bout on September 2, 1967. It was by a 'freak' {L TKO 3}
punch to the neck that caused the 'loss' to Domingo Bastidas

Antonio 'avenged' that loss 5-Months later. On February 6, 1968 > Antonio won by a convincing
{W Dec 8} over Domingo Bastidas.
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November 4, 1968

Antonio's first big bout was against another 'talented' Venezuelan ~ Super Featherweight,
21 year-old {131 lb.} Gustavo Briceno.

Antonio {Age; 23 years, 2 months}, and with a record of 18-1-0 {7 KO's} was expected to have
a tough time with his 'undefeated' opponent.

Gustavo Briceno was a tall {5' 9"} lanky-armed boxer with a record of 12-0-0, but with only {1 KO}.

In this bout, Antonio was giving up {3" in Height, and 4" in Reach} and was unable to close the
distance on the equally talented boxer - Gustavo Briceno.

At the end of this 8-Round Bout, it was Gustavo Briceno who was given the Decision, as he used
just enough left-jabs to edge out the ever-pressing Antonio Gomez.