By Jhonny Gonzalez

WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez is not afraid to accept the challenge of his WBA rival, Yuriorkis Gamboa. Last Saturday Lopez sat ringside in Atlantic City to watch Gamboa destory Jorge Solis in four rounds. Gamboa scored five knockdowns in the contest. Juanma is back on April 16, defending his title against Orlando Salido.

"I know that Gamboa is a great fighter. But I was surprised at how weak Solis looked. I had no doubt that Gamboa was winning, but I was surprised at how easy it was. Solis is a strong fighter, but I was concerned because he came down (from 130 pounds) to 126 pounds for this fight and I think that really weakened him," Juanma told Joseph Sanchez.

After the fight was over, Juanma entered the ring and approached Gamboa about a possible showdown in the near future. If the money is right, Juanma will fight.

"I got into the ring and told him straight to his face that I have no problem with fighting him. If we get what we deserve (pay), I'll fight him tomorrow, if he wants. I'm ready," Juanma said. "Personally, I want this fight with Gamboa. But all in good time. We're going to see what happens in the negotiations, and if it makes sense to fight him in August, we'll do it, or else we'll fight with Rafael (Marquez)."