Rios vs Gamboa: Fight Rumored to Be a Go For April 14

by Scott Christ on Feb 16, 2012 6:20 PM EST in Boxing News Analysis

Brandon Rios and Yuriorkis Gamboa are rumored to be ready to fight on April 14. (Photos by Al Bello and Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Boxing fans should be happy about this one, as long as it comes true: Rumors are strong that Brandon Rios and Yuriorkis Gamboa have agreed to fight.

Veteran cut man Miguel Diaz spoke with Chris Robinson of the Examiner and said that Gamboa was in Vegas this week to sign a deal for the fight, but he wasn't sure if it went down:

"[Gamboa] came to the Top Rank office to sign a contract with Brandon Rios, to fight Brandon Rios. I don’t know if he signed or not but this week is very pivotal for the fight. And I see a very smart fighter asking different questions about Brandon Rios. You know, the prices, very positive, very smart kid."

What I've heard is that Gamboa took his time thinking about the fight, considering the move up in weight (which is a big one), and has come around and is ready to go. The reported date previously was April 14 in Las Vegas, with HBO televising. Todd duBoef has been instrumental in getting this thing together, after a previous plan to pair the two on a double-header fell through.

Gamboa (21-0, 16 KO) and Rios (29-0-1, 22 KO) make for a dynamite matchup on paper, with huge lightweight Rios and his relentless pressure matched up against the ultra-fast Gamboa in what is sort of the ultimate style clash. I mean this is brawler vs boxer, and both are great at what they do, in their prime, and have that kind of ego that is mainly the result of not accepting the idea of losing.

I've loved this fight from the moment it was rumored, and I think every boxing fan is the same. It can't be a bad fight. Cross your fingers that the rumors are true.

0 recs | 19 comments

Comments

I can't see anyone not liking this fight

Sweet science - February 16, 2012 reply

The only thing that could make it bad is if RIos is absolutely dead from trying to make 135. I know they said they hired a nutritionist, but he seems to be way too big for lightweight. I really hope he doesn’t show up totally drained.

Kory Kitchen - February 16, 2012 reply

You should be fine. He’s a warrior. He showed it in his last fight. He will still swing even if he is tired.

El_Diego - February 16, 2012 reply

That’s true but Gamboa ain’t John Murray.

Kory Kitchen - February 16, 2012 reply

Gamboa is moving up 9 pounds though, and immediately going after one of the top dogs. I don’t like gamboa at all, but that shows some huge balls.

battle axe of doom - February 16, 2012 via mobile reply

this would be a terrific fight, i’m hoping and crossing fingers!!! i think gamboa could win this fight, he is better boxer and he is faster!!! only thing i worry is the weight, it’s a big step up for yuriorkis and for brandon, he seems to be in trouble to make it..

EL CIERTO (VEN) - February 16, 2012 reply

please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true please be true

Sammlung - February 16, 2012 reply

+ 1000

Apprentice - February 16, 2012 reply

this

Manuwar - February 16, 2012 reply

Eh, don't really like the fight.

Naaahhh just kidding. This is a fans dream match up for all the reasons already said above. Terrific fight, hopefully, it actually gets signed, nobody gets hurt, no delays or postponements and this goes down in April.

TheDemolitionDan - February 16, 2012 via iPhone app reply

This is incredible. These kind of “dream” match ups don’t happen in boxing very often. In fact I can’t remember when the last time it did. I’m so excited.

Manuwar - February 16, 2012 reply

Have you forgotten Bradley-Alexander?!

Kory Kitchen - February 16, 2012 reply