Cuban-born featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa (15-0, 13 knockouts) will go after his sixth straight knockout when he defends his WBA title against Panama's Whyber Garcia (22-6, 15 KOs) on Oct. 10 at New York's Madison Square Garden.The clash of 126-pounders will take place on the undercard of a main event featuring another rising star and potential opponent for Gamboa - Juan Manuel Lopez. The 26-year-old, Puerto Rican super bantamweight (122 pounds) (26-0, 24 KOs) will put his WBO crown on the line against Rogers Mtagwa (26-12-2, 18 KOs).
"I do not want to lose focus in preparation for this fight, because I know that without winning this fight I can't get to the bigger fights, with Juan Manuel Lopez being one of them," Gamboa said.
"I think that to any fan of boxing -- and I include myself a fan as well -- Lopez has God-given ability, and you can't deny that," said Gamboa, 27. "[Lopez] became world champion because of those attributes, and I recognize those skills. I think a fight between himself and I would make for a great fight."
Lopez has hinted at moving up to face Gamboa, who has said that he plans to remain at 126 pounds for at least a while.
"I want to make a name for myself at 126, and once I make a name for myself at this division, I will seek to go up a category or two," said Gamboa, who also has his sights on a possible unification bout with unbeaten WBA 126-pound champion, Chris John (43-0-2, 22 KOs) of Indonesia.
"Chris John is a name that interests me. I saw him fight against Rocky Juarez and I know that he just beat him and is considered a super champion with the WBA," said Gamboa.
"I am completely focused on training for this fight, and I am going to be able to show off my skills, talents and abilities to the world," Gamboa said. "If I were [Lopez,] I would want to take notice. I am going to do everything possible to keep moving along and keep my record going."
Others on the card are unbeaten WBC International heavyweight king Odlanier Solis (14-0, 10 knockouts) of Cuba, as well as Irish middleweight contender John Duddy (26-1, 17 KOs) of New York.
A winner of four straight by knockout, Solis, 29, takes a huge step up when he meets Puerto Rican native and former contender Fres Oquendo (31-5, 20 KOs), while 30-year-old Duddy (26-1, 17 KOs) faces Michi Munoz (21-3, 14 KOs) of Topeka, Ks.
Top Rank's Todd duBoef said Solis "is in a division searching for Mr. Heavyweight," believing Solis is on the verge of taking advantage of that.
"We wanted to pursue [that] because we believe in the product and [want to] build exposure around him," duBoef said. "We think the sky is the limit for both guys (Gamboa and Solis). They are both in weight classes where if they deliver in the ring, there are going be lots of riches for all of us."
"They are well-developed because they are mature and well-seasoned as amateurs, and now, we have to start working on the marketing side of it. Good doesn't mean everything. You have to be marketable and amenable to the fans so the fans want to see you."
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
It will be nice when he finally fights someone of stature rather than washed up pugs. Lopez will be a REAL test, as would John. Those are REAL champions.