Arena Boxing: Gamboa Ringside For Lopez vs. Salido

Cuban featherweight sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa will be ringside when WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez defends his title against Odlando Salido in Puerto Rico tomorrow (Saturday, April 16). On September 11th 2010, Gamboa won a lop-sided unanimous decision against Salido.

“I expect JuanMa to win by knockout”, says Gamboa. “I didn’t have my best day when I fought Salido. JuanMa is fast and strong and should overwhelm the Mexican with his power.”

If Lopez beats the former IBF champion he and Gamboa will be another step closer to colliding in what fans and experts already expect to become an epic featherweight battle.

“This is the biggest fight in the featherweight division and one of the biggest possible fights in general to be made right now”, says promoter Ahmet Oner.

“The whole world waits to see Gamboa and Lopez battle out who is the best at 126. I put my money on Gamboa. He is certainly not afraid of JuanMa. Both showed great respect for each other in the past but they also both know that every step they take is observed in respect to a possible showdown.”

On March 26th Gamboa impressively tore apart interim super featherweight Jorge Solis knocking the taller man down five times en route to a fourth round TKO win at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Lopez watched Gamboa’s performance ringside and applauded his rival to his stunning performance.

“After what Gamboa did to Jore Solis three weeks ago, JuanMa will clearly want to make a statement against Salido”, adds Oner. “They both want to impress the other guy and prove that they are the best featherweights in the world. Although their fight has not been made yet they are already battling each other. Both guys know that it’s about time for the fight. I can say for Gamboa that he is ready to go anywhere anytime.”