By Mark Vester

The biggest rivalry in Northern Nevada appears to be on track to land in December. Former friends, and former participants of "The Contender" reality show, Jesse Brinkley (31-5, 21 KOs) and Joey Gilbert (15-1, 11 KOs), are scheduled to clash on either December 6 or December 12. Two-days after Gilbert reached a settlement with the Nevada State Athletic Commission over his steroid allegations, the motions were rolling to match him with Brinkely.

The two fighters have been talking trash in their local papers for nearly two-years. It's being built up in Northern Nevada like the second coming of the famous New Mexico hometown rivalry between Johnny Tapia and Paulie Ayala.

"Everywhere I go in Reno, people stop me and ask the same question: 'When are you fighting Jesse?' Northern Nevada wants to see this fight and I don't think anyone wants it more than I do. I know Jesse feels the same way. With that said, I cordially invite Mr. Jesse Brinkley to meet me in Reno before the end of 2008," Gilbert told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Brinkley feels the same way. He is tired of the back and forth trash talking and wants to finally get Gilbert in the ring.

"I'm excited. I open my arms to the whole idea," Brinkley said. "I'm ready to go, I'm ready to fight this guy. I'm ready to give Reno, Yerington, all of Northern Nevada what they've wanted to see between us. I'm ready so let's just shut up and do it."

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