“Rising Star” Yuriorkis Gamboa was shining bright when he beat Darling Jimenez from New York this Saturday in Primm, Nevada by unanimous decision after a ten-round-war. Though criticized for keeping his hands down giving Jimenez the chance to drop the Cuban in the fourth most spectators were pleased by Gamboa’s exceptional speed, great ring movement and absolute dominance over a very experienced opponent.
“Whoever criticizes Gamboa now should not forget that it was only his 10th pro-fight”, states promoter Ahmet Öner, “And Jimenez is a very tough, experienced and dangerous contender. Of course, Gamboa still got a lot to learn. But everyone who saw how he demolished Jimenez’ face will have to agree that after all he remains an exceptional talent and lots of fun to watch.”
Still at Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark show from Terrible’s Primm Valley Casino Resort the promoter saw some things he didn’t like. And he responded to this by dismissing Gamboa’s trainer Osmiri Fernandez right after the fight in the dressing room.
“I felt this was necessary”, explains Öner, “mainly because Gamboa didn’t seem to respect Fernandez. He was more like a ‘buddy type’. In addition to that Fernandez was an amateur coach who came from Cuba to work with Gamboa with barely any pro experience.”
In Orlando Cuellar Öner already found a new trainer who seems to better fit his needs as he worked successfully with former world champion Glengoffe Johnson amongst others.
“Cuellar has proved already that he can make champions”, says Öner. “I believe he’s the right man to take Gamboa all the way to the top. Gamboa doesn’t need to learn anything about boxing. He just needs to adjust his game a little and I think Cuellar will help him doing so.”
The 2004 Olympic gold medallist will be back in action on June 27th when he is meant to fight Jose “Cheo” Rojas. By beating WBA #2 ranked Rojas “El Ciclon de Guantanmo” (currently ranked on #3) could get very close to become world champion in only his second year as a professional.