Former WBA Featherweight Derrick “Smoke” Gainer 41-7-1 {24 KO’s} returned to the ring Saturday with a split decision victory over the tough Carlos Navarro 27-6-1 {22 KO’s}. The fight between two southpaws was featured on the undercard of the Roy Jones -Anthony Hanshaw pay per view.. Navarro was the aggressor for much of the fight, but had most of his shots altered by Gainer. The former WBA champion was able to stun Navarro, while showing he still had his world class hand speed. Gainer was able to land a few vintage combinations to both the body and the head throughout the contest.
Gainer was happy to return victorious and applauded his tough opponent. “Navarro is a very game fighter he came to win and I knew he would be tough. The fight was close due to his aggression; he landed a lot of punches on my arms and one clean punch in the third round. I didn’t throw as many punches as I wanted to. I have been in similar fights where it was close and the decision went the other way but tonight it was my time and I know I deserved to win the fight”.
Gainer also revealed his plans to drop down to the Junior Lightweight division and fight for a world title in the near future. “I plan on becoming a world champion at 130 pounds and I will stay active. I took this fight at 135 pounds, so it was easier on my body to make weight. I’ll fight any of the big names at 130 pounds, look at my resume; I have fought nothing but the best! Let’s make a fight with one of the champions. The boy from South Africa {Mzonke Fana} mentioned my name in an interview and I’ll go to South Africa and take his belt. My manager just spoke with the IBF I am sure they will rank me and this time Fana will have no excuses!