When unbeaten super featherweight phenomenon Yuriorkis Gamboa (9-0-0, 8 kos) steps into the ring against Darling Jimenez (23-2-2, 14 kos) this Saturday (May 17th) in Primm, Nevada, it will not only be the HBO debut of the Cuban Olympic gold medallist, but also his chance to win the WBC international championship. The title had been laid down by none other than Phillipinian superstar Manny Pacquiao before “Pacman” stripped the world title from Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15th.
“Of course, it is a great honour to fight for this belt”, states Gamboa. “Especially as this in only my tenth professional fight. I am glad that my performances so far have convinced the sanctioning bodies to put me very high in the ratings and I am willing to prove that I am the best boxer in the world.” At the moment Gamboa is rated on No. 3 in the WBA and on No. 4 in the WBC world rankings..
„I know that Jimenez is a tough opponent”, continues Gamboa, “but I also know that to be the best you have to beat the best. And that is what I will do. After winning the WBC international title I will try to get my hands on the belt Pacquiao’s wearing right now. Though I hope that he doesn’t put it down so I will have the chance to take it from him in the ring.”
Along with Gamboa vs. Jimenez the triple main event of “The Night of the Rising Stars” at Terrible’s Primm Valley Casino Resorts features James Kirkland (21-0-0, 18 kos) vs. Eromosele Albert (21-1-0, 10 kos) and Alfredo Angulo (12-0-0, 9 kos) vs. Richard Gutierrez (24-1-0, 14 kos). Promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC and Arena Box-Promotion the show will be featured on HBO’s “Boxing After Dark”. It will also be broadcasted LIVE on German sports network DSF.