Predictions for Yuriorkis Gamboa vs. Brandon Rios @135

[Bullrider]

Gamboa doesn't have the power to KO Rios. It takes him a series of punches to wobble an opponent. Rios would counter his first shots even before landing the next. This is a mismatch.

[clmags12]

Nice match up!

Gamboa gets props if he jumps in @135 with a bigger Rios.

Gamboa would have to box a perfect fight to keep away from being man-handled by Brandon.

[SCEN3RY]

Man I just can not even see how the tempo of this fight would play out. Gamboa is 5'51/2 and Rios is 5'8 but the way Rios fights he does not use his height at all bc he loves fighting on the inside. Gamboa's hand speed is obviously on a different level than Rios but does Gamboa have the power to hurt Rios? I think 135 is just too heavy for Gamboa he should fight at 130 and maybe try to build a big fight with a guy like Adrien Broner. Bam bam Rios is just too big for Gamboa. I got Rios winning on a late round stoppage probably like the 9th or 10th. What you guys think?

yeah it'll be tough for him, Gamboa, that is. It's hard to imagine a guy that small competing with Rios, but I won't say it's impossible just yet. If Gamboa can add the weight accordingly, distribute the muscle appropriately and maintain much of his speed-it comes down to gameplan. Rios is a very good pressure fighter, but if Gamboa can punch and move for 12 rounds, he could win a decision and he is quick enough to get out of danger (assuming Rios hits harder than he does). It'll be hard and I do believe it would be extraordinarily exhausting constantly punching and moving against a pressure fighter like Rios. Safe bet is Rios by stoppage 8 or 9 rounds...but I'll wait to see how he does at 130 before I ponder this fight any longer.

[Rome-By-Ko]

I honestly dont see where this comes from all of the kds Gamboa suffered were at the start of his career because of him being over reckless and were flash kds ive never seen Yuri hurt in a fight

You've also never seen him in with a fighter like Rios(or Lopez for that matter)..No matter why he was down,he was down..I agree I've never really seen Gamboa hurt like that..But if he eats some punches from Rios you will see it..

[tomhawq]

this is an interesting fight. am glad gamboa is finally getting the big fights he's been asking for.

hope it translates to big money, too.

no streaming please. let's support these guys.



as for prediction, i'm a fan of both, but i think this is difficult fight for gamboa.

[!! Shawn]

Gamboa is wayyyyyy to small for this fight. He is too small for 135 period.

[SCtrojansbaby]

yeah it'll be tough for him, Gamboa, that is. It's hard to imagine a guy that small competing with Rios, but I won't say it's impossible just yet. If Gamboa can add the weight accordingly, distribute the muscle appropriately and maintain much of his speed-it comes down to gameplan. Rios is a very good pressure fighter, but if Gamboa can punch and move for 12 rounds, he could win a decision and he is quick enough to get out of danger (assuming Rios hits harder than he does). It'll be hard and I do believe it would be extraordinarily exhausting constantly punching and moving against a pressure fighter like Rios. Safe bet is Rios by stoppage 8 or 9 rounds...but I'll wait to see how he does at 130 before I ponder this fight any longer.

Gamboa is arguable the best athlete in the sport putting on weight will not be an issue, and you know with Steward he'll have a world class strength and conditioning coach.

Oh and they should put the fight in Miami

[Jubei]

I really like Gamboa, it seems like they try to push him to the higher limits where more money can be made, him against Rios i think Gamboa has to fight the perfect fight, he might be able to hurt Rios, but not drop him and no way he will stop him from coming forward, Rios has a huge chin and a huge heart, Gamboa is just too small and has a short reach. Very very difficult fight for Yuri, specially in the later rounds.

For his size I can see Rios easily holding his own in the WW limit with a couple interesting fights against Ortiz/Berto/Maidana etc. while Gamboas perfect weight seems to be no more than 130. Might be proven wrong though

[RoidRage]

I think Rios will wear down Gamboa and possible stop him late, Gamboa will probably take the first 3 rounds

[$Bullsfam$]

Seems like stun is tired of waiting to make gamboa a big star. He's trying to cash out on him right away. But Gamboa is a beast and I feel he'll be alright at 135 and still be so much damn faster and bring some power too and bloody up rios to a exciting decision that will make gamboa a star....

Hope we get Gamboa vs pac by the end of pacs career, I'm hoping their atleast in talks by the end of 2013!.