By Jake Donovan
A recent article by BoxingScene.com’s Chris Robinson quoted Vegas-based trainer and former two-division champion Roger Mayweather on a number of subjects. Bringing up the rear was the outspoken cornerman’s insistence – or perhaps speculation – that Yuriorkis Gamboa has added another promoter to his team.
“He was with my nephew [Floyd Mayweather Jr.],” Roger said of Gamboa, who recently visited Mayweather’s gym while in Las Vegas. “He signed with my nephew. My nephew is going to promote him I guess. All I know is that he said he’s with my nephew.”
To his credit, the reporter followed the quote with the disclaimer of detailing Gamboa’s current promotional situation.
“Last time we checked Gamboa was co-promoted by Ahmet Öner and Top Rank, however, so Roger’s words were taken with a grain of salt,” Robinson politely stated in his article.
Gamboa’s team caught wind of the news, and was a bit more direct in its response.
“It’s bull****,” promoter Ahmet Öner said of Mayweather’s suggestion. “Gamboa has a contract with Top Rank and me. Don’t put me in the mix like that and try to create problems with Top Rank. Yuri respects his contract with Top Rank.”
Gamboa (21-0, 16KO) has every reason to respect his Vegas-based co-promoter, who put together a deal to match the unbeaten Cuban star to face Brandon Rios on April 14. The fight was one he and his team sought from the moment it was suggested, so much that he’s willing to move up to full weight classes to the lightweight limit just to accommodate Rios, who can’t possibly go down.
Öner was instrumental in establishing Gamboa’s pro career after the 2004 Olympic Gold medalist defected from his squad in Dec. ’06. There is a tremendous amount of loyalty existent between the two, as trust is something that Öner tremendously values.
It’s for that reason that the former fighter-turned-promoter is so disappointed in false rumors being put out there.
“I live in the United States and do a lot of work out here,” says Öner, a former fighter before turning to the promotional side of the sport. “If you don’t know who am I am, Google my name. When I see them, I will ask them why this was started. I don’t like to hear (stuff) like this.”
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com
