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by Cliff Rold - First there was the good news.
April 14, 2012. Featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa was moving up two weight divisions to face hard charging Brandon Rios. Gamboa is one of the game’s most physically gifted athletes; Rios one of its premiere young pressure fighters. Both get hit more than is healthy. Rios gets better as fights progress and can punch all night. Gamboa can struggle after early bursts behind questionable concentration and a just as questionable chin.
Early ticket sales were brisk. Buzz was strong.
The neat thing about it was how quickly it came together. It had a hint of serendipity. This didn’t need years of trash talk or ‘slow cooking.’ A year ago, Brandon Rios was just weeks into a reign as WBA titlist at 135 lbs. and Gamboa was gearing up for Jorge Solis at 126.
When Gamboa issued a challenge to Rios, a light bulb went off. ‘Hey, yeah,’ said the faithful boxing fan. ‘Damn the scales. That fight rocks right now.’ Two fighters with superstar possibilities were putting their 0’s on the line in the sort of match capable of getting them to the next level.
R.I.P Gamboa-Rios, March 14, 2012.
This one is heading to court, or at least eventual binding arbitration. Gamboa’s attorney has issued a statement to the affect that Gamboa’s contract with Top Rank is invalid. Top Rank has sued for breach. Fans are looking for refunds and laments of a potentially great fight evaporating are real and heartfelt. Boxing fans look forward to the red meat and were treating this one like a fine filet. [Click Here To Read More]
April 14, 2012. Featherweight Yuriorkis Gamboa was moving up two weight divisions to face hard charging Brandon Rios. Gamboa is one of the game’s most physically gifted athletes; Rios one of its premiere young pressure fighters. Both get hit more than is healthy. Rios gets better as fights progress and can punch all night. Gamboa can struggle after early bursts behind questionable concentration and a just as questionable chin.
Early ticket sales were brisk. Buzz was strong.
The neat thing about it was how quickly it came together. It had a hint of serendipity. This didn’t need years of trash talk or ‘slow cooking.’ A year ago, Brandon Rios was just weeks into a reign as WBA titlist at 135 lbs. and Gamboa was gearing up for Jorge Solis at 126.
When Gamboa issued a challenge to Rios, a light bulb went off. ‘Hey, yeah,’ said the faithful boxing fan. ‘Damn the scales. That fight rocks right now.’ Two fighters with superstar possibilities were putting their 0’s on the line in the sort of match capable of getting them to the next level.
R.I.P Gamboa-Rios, March 14, 2012.
This one is heading to court, or at least eventual binding arbitration. Gamboa’s attorney has issued a statement to the affect that Gamboa’s contract with Top Rank is invalid. Top Rank has sued for breach. Fans are looking for refunds and laments of a potentially great fight evaporating are real and heartfelt. Boxing fans look forward to the red meat and were treating this one like a fine filet. [Click Here To Read More]
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