Harry Summers – After winning the IBO World Featherweight title last Friday night with a vicious 8th round knockout of Mexican Heriberto Ruiz, “Action Jackson” Asiku wants to fight the “Cuban cyclone” Yuriorkis Gamboa.
“I have finally got my belt, I knew it would come but I will not stop there, I want more belts I want the WBA belt and I think Gamboa and myself will produce one of the greatest bouts you would ever see. Someone would go down in an explosive brutal contest, the fans would love it and I will have two belts.” – Asiku
Asiku was full of confidence; he also said he would defend his title in Uganda until he can get a unification bout, with Gamboa being his first choice.
When asked about WBA Featherweight Super Champion Chris John he said he could not fight him because they have the same trainer and manager but “it would be good if I got two belts and Chris John had two. Chris John helped me to be the champion that I am today and if we keep on helping each other we will never be beaten”.
I agree with Asiku on one thing Asiku v Gamboa would be a great fight but I think the Cuban would be the last man standing. Asku plans on visiting Uganda and defending his title in February in Uganda.
Espinoza comments about Vazquez-Marquez rumors
Much has been written lately regarding Israel Vazquez’s future as rumors swirl around the internet and on print papers in Mexico. Vazquez’s manager Frank Espinoza sat down and answered a few questions regarding his fighter in order to set the record straight:
Q. What was your opinion of Israel’s last performance against Angel Priollo?
A. It was a tough fight against a tough fighter who walked into the ring in the best shape of his life. Priollo had his moments but Israel pulled out the win in exciting fashion. All his fights are exciting. He doesn’t know how to be in a boring fight.
Q. How did Israel’s eye hold up?
A. I took Israel to the doctor to make sure there were no complications to the operation he underwent to fix a detached retina. His check up revealed that he’s doing fine and he’s now back in the gym.
Q. Israel is involved in a lot of exciting but very physically demanding fights. Is it difficult to see him go through so much in the ring?
A. Israel’s a personal friend of mine so yes it can be hard to watch him fight but that’s just the way he fights. He’s an old school, blood and guts warrior like Jake Lamotta. He gives you everything he’s got inside the ring and those are the type of fighters that people love to watch.
Q. Who will Israel fight next?
A. We were looking to fight Rafael Marquez but he has some promotional issues to deal with so were looking at several other people and having a few meetings and hopefully they’ll be productive.
Q. Who are some of the opponents you’re considering?
A. Well there’s Juan Manuel Lopez and there’s a real possibility that we’ll take on Elio Rojas for the WBC featherweight title. It’s always been Israel’s dream to win three world titles and that fight would put him on the road towards that goal.
Q. There was a statement made that Showtime offered up a multi million offer that was rejected by both Israel and Rafael Marquez? Is that true?
A. I’ve heard that claim. I understand that offer took place in 2008 and I wasn’t at that meeting. Whether there was an offer or not, it’s a moot point since Israel had a detached retina and wasn’t in medical condition to fight. He was injured. Why would Israel get in the ring against a puncher like Marquez with a detached retina?
Q. Is Sycuan Ringside Promotions still involved with Israel Vazquez?
A. No. Sycuan Ringside is no longer involved with Israel’s career. We fulfilled our promotional contract with them and they’re no longer in the mix.
Q. When will we know for sure what Israel’s next move will be?
A. We’ll know in a few weeks. We have a couple of meetings and we have several people to talk to. The final word will come from Israel and myself. Anything else are rumors.
Thank you for your time.
F.E. Thank you.