Gamboa To Challenge Rios For WBA Lightweight Title?

Top Rank president Todd DuBouef has recently spread the word that he would love to match Cuban phenomenon Yuriorkis Gamboa (21-0, 16 kos) with hard-hitting WBA lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios (29-0-1, 21 kos) sooner or later.

“I have seen some tapes of Rios and all I can say is that Gamboa is ready for him anytime, anyplace”, says promoter Ahmet Oner. “Rios is an aggressive guy but I see nothing in his game to really shock Gamboa. It should be a good fight though so I say: Let’s get it on!”

In September Gamboa beat former world champion Daniel Ponce de Leon in a one-sided affair at 127 lbs. There were rumours about the Cuban 2004 Olympic gold medalist taking an interim bout at 130 lbs. before moving up to 135 lbs. for a possible showdown with Rios who is scheduled to defend his WBA title against John Murray on December 3rd in New York.

“It is no problem for Gamboa whatsoever to fight at 135 right away”, says Oner. “He is an exceptional talent and already one of the best fighters pound for pound. I know that there are still some people who think that he needs to prove himself.

“Well, he is ready to do so and to fight the best. If it’s Rios, then bring on Rios. We just don’t want him to get knocked out on his way to facing Gamboa like JuanMa Lopez. We want the big fights, so let’s not waste any time.”

Gamboa himself is pretty relaxed when it comes to discussing his next opponents. “I don’t care who I fight, I will always enter the ring to win”, states “El Ciclon”. “I will not duck anybody. Nobody can stop me on my way to the top. I know what I’m capable of and I will not back down until I have shown the world that I am the best boxer in the world.”