Shozo Saijo vs Antonio Gomez

Venezuela, Land of Grace and Liberty / Sports Boxing: Antonio Gómez / 1971 World Featherweight Champion Lack of Discipline: Born on September 7, 1944, in Cumaná, Sucre State, he belongs to that immense lineage of Cumaná boxers who have brought great honor to our country. At the age of 22, he turned professional, guided by the legendary Ely Montes. Montes helped him transition from amateur to professional. His dream was to become a national champion, not a world champion. He often said, "When I win the national title, I'll retire." He made his professional boxing debut on February 18, 1967, against Eduardo Blanco, whom he defeated by knockout in the second round. He remained undefeated until September 1 of that year, when he faced Domingo Bastidas. His big opportunity came on September 3, 1971, when he faced Japan's Saijyo for the WBA featherweight title. That day, he became one of the most important boxers in the history of the sport, as he defeated Saijyo in a nine-round fight despite a considerable disadvantage. After that excellent fight, he left the gym, and Antonio Gómez appeared slow and overweight. He faced Mexican Raúl Martínez Mora, but the champion's physical decline was evident. The reign of the world's best featherweight came to an end on August 19, 1972, against Panama's Ernesto "Ñato" Marcel, who clearly dominated our boxer. From that moment on, a series of defeats befell our champion, until the National Sports Institute (IND) revoked his license to practice the sport in 1975 for medical reasons. "This was the end of an opaque career that seemed brilliant."