By Mike Coppinger
Javier Fortuna faces the toughest test of his career Friday when he takes on 2004 Cuban Olympian Luis Franco at the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
Fighters usually toe the party line when asked whom they want to fight next, usually saying "I'm not looking past my opponent." But not Fortuna
Fortuna (22-0, 16 KOs) told BoxingScene that after he's done with Franco (11-1, 7 KOs) on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights," he would like to fight another Cuban Olympian in his next bout.
"I want (Yuriorkis) Gamboa," Fortuna said, "and I know can knock him out."
BoxingScene has been advised that discussions for the fight have taken place, and that Gamboa's promoter, 50 Cent, is very interested.
Fortuna's promoter, Sampson Boxing, is also keen on the potential fall fight. They would like Gamboa versus Fortuna in the fall at 130 pounds on HBO. Gamboa last fought at 135 pounds.
"We want Gamboa," Sampson Boxing VP Nathan Lewkowicz said, "and Fortuna will knock him out and send him back to Cuba."
Sampson Boxing chief and ace talent scout Sampson Lewkowicz is confident it would be a great TV bout.
Sampson Lewkowicz: "Gamboa and Fortuna is an action fight that will produce knockdowns and drama that is worthy of HBO."
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