Darling Jimenez to step in and fight Gamboa

New foe for Gamboa!
Friday, March 28 2008
By Lee Bates
Unbeaten super featherweight sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa (9-0, 8 KOs) will now face Darling Jimenez (23-2-2, 14 KOs) his May 17th HBO debut. Jiminez has won six straight, all by KO. Gamboa was originally slated to face WBO #2 Ranked Marcos Ramirez (25-0, 16 KOs), but Ramirez decided not to take the fight. A 2004 Olympic Gold medal winner for Cuba, Gamboa opened eyes in his U.S. television debut back in February as he brutally knocked out Johnny Edwards in one round on ESPN2 to win the NABF super featherweight title. He has been so impressive that after just nine fights, he is rated WBA #5 and WBC #8 respectively.




Seems like I've seen Jimenez a few times, I now he was on ESPN a few months back and he knocked out Mike Anchondo in 3. Not sure how much that had to do with Anchondo but he's definitely a pretty big fight for a guy with 9 fights.



You have to start wondering how early Gamboa's going to get a title shot. He's already ranked highly and they're obviously moving him fast. You had Holyfield get a shot at what, his 13th fight? David Reid too, I could see this guy get a shot in 4-6 fights, amazing.

Jimenez ain't a bad fighter. Should be a good test for Gamboa.

Tszyu win his first title in 13th fight i think.
Jeff Fenech in like his 7th or something.
Guys such as gamboa should be moved along quickly cos of their long amateur careers.

Darlings a very good step up for Gamboa.

I actually know Jimenez personally and though I haven't seen enough of Gamboa to predict anything, I will tell you that he has become a much better fighter over the last 2 years. He relocated from the Bronx, NY to FLorida and has been having much better and much more focused training there without the partying.

Jimenez is taking this fight at god point in his life and his career because when he wasn't mentally prepared a few years ago. I think he'll do good win or lose.