So far Cuban phenomenon Yuriorkis Gamboa was considered one of the big rising stars of the super featherweight division. The 2004 Olympic gold medallist made big impression at 130 lbs. beating experienced fighters like Adailton De Jesus, Johnny Edwards or – in his most recent fight – Darling Jimenez and capturing the NABF championship as well as the WBC international title..
Now “El Ciclon de Guantanamo” decided to go down in weight to campaign at 126 lbs. starting tonight in Primm, Nevada, against former 122 lbs. world title contender Al Seeger.
“I think 126 is the most appropriate and most natural division for Gamboa at the moment”, states promoter Ahmet Öner. “With 5’6’’ he is rather short; fighting at 126 lbs. will help him be even more efficient and bring out his power and speed even more. If you keep in mind that he used to knock out tough guys at 130 you can imagine how he will clean up the featherweight division.”
Gamboa’s hunt for his first world title starts tonight when he faces Seeger for the WBA Fedelation championship.
“This is Gamboa’s stepping stone to the world championship”, adds Öner. “If he can get rid off Seeger he should be ready for the title fight. And if he turns out to dominate the featherweight division – which I think he is definitely capable of – he can always move up in weight to face the top contenders at 130 or 135. Manny Pacquiao started to campaign at 112 and won world titles in five divisions. Why shouldn’t Gamboa be able to win belts in different weights?”
Gamboa proved that he has no problem with the lower limit at yesterday’s official weigh-in bringing exactly 126.
“I feel great”, says ‘El Ciclon’. “Bringing 126 didn’t cost me any of my power. My trainer Ismael Salas prepared me perfectly for the fight. I don’t care that the opponent changed on short notice. I want to become world champion as soon as possible so I will beat whoever comes my way.”
The co-main event of the night features light middleweight prospect Richard Gutierrez (24-2, 14 kos) who faces Jerome “Boomer” Ellis (11-8-1, 10 kos) from the Bahamas, fighting out of Florida. ESPN 2 will broadcast the show starting at 6pm PST / 9pm EST.