Some Thoughts On Gamboa Versus Ponce De Leon

I'm not exactly sure what Gamboa was trying to do last night; he fought completely out of character. It's as if he was trying to prove to people that he can fight defensively. That's simply not his forte. He's not a defensive wiz, nor is he likely to ever be one. Yuri is an explosive, aggressive fighter who opens up and attacks with almost reckless abandon. It's one of the things that makes him so much fun to watch and has gained him many fans fast. I hope I never see him try that little experiment again. That being said. I thought Gamboa won the fight very easily. There were one or two close rounds, but the case can be made for a shutout. The bout was fairly boring, I thought. It was basically a world-class boxer versus a decent fighter in an exhibition, a glorified sparring session. Ponce appeared absolutely outclassed. He even seemed afraid of Yuri at times. Gamboa dodged and slipped nearly all of Dan's punches with blinding speed. But Yuri wasn't completely impressive, either. He missed a lot of punches. Gamboa needs to work on his accuracy. While last night's Gamboa win wasn't as impressive as what we've come to expect from him, it showed that he can essentially win however he sees fit. Yuri has said he's moving up after this fight. He'll dominate 130. It's a leaner division than 126. Adrien Broner is the only name of note at SFW, as far as I'm concerned. Gamboa will beat him. The JuanMa fight, if it ever happens at all, will take place at 130. Gamboa will win that one, too. I'm disappointed that Yuri will not get to fight Mikey Garcia at 126, maybe ever. But as uninspiring as last night's fight with Ponce De Leon was, I'm actually more convinced than before that Yuri beats Mikey, too.

Comments (14)

CubanGuyNYC

Idk man seemed like Ponce wanted him to come in when he was against the ropes so he could counter and I believe Gamboa's trainer was telling him that so he would back off. There were times where he would come in and throw a flurry but get countered. I have nothing against his defensive style last night. Maybe you're right. It didn't seem that way to me. I thought Ponce looked overwhelmed, TBH. It's good to know that you had no problem with Gamboa's approach. But it'll make me happy if Yuri returns to his old "Ciclon" self in his next outing (albeit with tighter defense).

14y ago

CubanGuyNYC

Ponce is still a hard hitter whose power has to be respected and I think gamboa paid him that ultimate respect by fighting the way he did. That would seem to be the case. It was somewhat funny, though, how Ponce seemed even more wary of Yuri's speed and power.

14y ago

Ray

Ponce is still a hard hitter whose power has to be respected and I think gamboa paid him that ultimate respect by fighting the way he did.

14y ago

CubanGuyNYC

Am I the only one who thinks the criminally overrated Freddie Roach would be an excellent trainer for Gamboa? Like you said, Gamboa will never be a defensive, technical, master boxer. He fights in spurts and his defense is non existent. He is either moving around or lunging in with his punches, that's it. He is fundamentally unsound. But he is an athletic freak who hits hard just like Pac (and Khan maybe?). With the JokeRoach, he'll learn angles, high guard defense, and other Roach-style-of-fighting bull$hit. That in/out, volume punching, Pacman esque style would suit him fine imo. I think what you say about Roach being good for Gamboa is on point. I've been thinking for a while that Yuri will need a new trainer soon. Gamboa is being loyal to his old trainer from Cuba, Ismael Salas. It's a laudable thing, but Yuri is a major talent that needs to flourish. Salas has relatively limited experience training professional fighters. I hate to say it, but it's time for Gamboa to part ways with his old mentor.

14y ago

SonnyDempsey

He fought a limited, dangerous puncher and beat him. He did exactly what he was supposed to do. What's the problem?

14y ago

AntDawg

No, I don't want him to be more reckless. But fighting the way he did last night isn't suited to his style and abilities. Yes, he needs to tighten up a little, but he tried his best Floyd Mayweather imitation versus Ponce. It made for a winning but boring approach. There were at least two times when Gamboa had Ponce up against the ropes and completely at a loss. (I'm pretty sure I even saw Dan close his eyes.) Yuri took his foot off the gas pedal and backed off. There are many times when attacking is the absolutely correct thing to do. Sometimes it's the best defense. Gamboa was so focused on defense last night that he missed opportunities to put Ponce away. Idk man seemed like Ponce wanted him to come in when he was against the ropes so he could counter and I believe Gamboa's trainer was telling him that so he would back off. There were times where he would come in and throw a flurry but get countered. I have nothing against his defensive style last night.

14y ago

CubanGuyNYC

as Brother Nazim says, "you gotta bring ass to get ass". i'm not saying be reckless but sh1t take some chances against a dude who clearly is much slower than u. This is pretty much what I'm saying.

14y ago

goblin213

14y ago

Dustaine

juanma will go to 130 once he beats salido so at least we'll have the lopez fight and hopefully broner thats about it though which kind of sucks like cube said , the only legitimate reason for gamboa to go up to 130 is if he is having a hard time making 126 , because from a business and competitive stand point it doesnt make much sense IF he beats Salido. 70-30 he won't.

14y ago

CubanGuyNYC

So you want Gamboa to be more reckless? Thats when he gets himself into trouble. heck the times he got reckles in the fight last night he would get popped at times. His defense seems to be way better than in the past I must say and thats a good thing. No, I don't want him to be more reckless. But fighting the way he did last night isn't suited to his style and abilities. Yes, he needs to tighten up a little, but he tried his best Floyd Mayweather imitation versus Ponce. It made for a winning but boring approach. There were at least two times when Gamboa had Ponce up against the ropes and completely at a loss. (I'm pretty sure I even saw Dan close his eyes.) Yuri took his foot off the gas pedal and backed off. There are many times when attacking is the absolutely correct thing to do. Sometimes it's the best defense. Gamboa was so focused on defense last night that he missed opportunities to put Ponce away.

14y ago

AntDawg

14y ago

Cubanborn87

14y ago

CubanGuyNYC

It's the weirdest thing, Yuri and his manager say they're done with 126 and then they say there's no one at 130. Then the other video, he says "126 is my weight". Can I get a clear answer? http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/view.php?pg=boxing_video It would appear that Gamboa is having trouble making 126. The fight with Ponce was fought at 127 pounds. (I believe Yuri came into the fight at 138 and Ponce at 137.) Gamboa has fought at 130 in the past. I can't really offer anything more than that. Oner's words are 100% meaningless to me. And I imagine Gamboa tries not to contradict him.

14y ago

PACnPBFsuck

14y ago