By James Slater: According to reports (on ESPN.com amongst other places), rival promoters Golden Boy and Top Rank are set to work together again soon, for the first time in years. The first big fight the two warring promotional groups have in the works is a fascinating-looking clash between unbeaten featherweight sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa and former WBO super-bantamweight champ Daniel Ponce de Leon.
The fight is close to being finalised for September 10th in Atlantic City, N.J, to be televised by HBO, and the non-title showdown is almost sure to be a thrilling, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair.
The fight will be a non-title fight because, though unbeaten Gamboa has never lost a belt in the ring, his IBF and WBA 126-pound straps have been taken from him for various political reasons. Still, title or no title, this 12-rounder has the look of a potential classic.
29-year-old Gamboa of Cuba, 20-0(16) has lit up the featherweight division with his speed, power and reluctance to pay too much attention to defence. An amazing talent who was also an amateur standout and gold medallist at the 2004 Olympic games, Gamboa has also appeared vulnerable in certain fights; being knocked down four times already in his four-year pro career. Gamboa has always gotten back up and taken his frustration and anger out on his opponent, but can he afford to get tagged by the heavy hands of the 30-year-old southpaw from Mexico?
De Leon, 41-3(34) has won seven fights and lost just one since being sparked inside a round by Juan Manuel Lopez. Having moved up to featherweight, the slugger was on a roll until losing a controversial decision to Adrien Broner last time out, in March. Many fans felt De Leon deserved the nod in that fight, and these same fans may well feel his getting a big fight with Gamboa is something he deserves. Like Gamboa, the former WBO champ at 122 has shown weaknesses in the defensive side of the game, being hit and hit hard in fights. The Mexican’s big equaliser is his enormous power, however, and this has usually seen De Leon through.
Much slower than Gamboa, with his hands especially, De Leon may have some trouble catching up with his man in September. But, and it’s a big but – if De Leon does manage to land with a bomb, be it in round-one or round-12, it could be lights out for Gamboa. It is this chance of a KO, one way or the other, that will keep the fans glued to the action when this one gets underway. Arguably the single hardest puncher Gamboa will have ever faced, De Leon will be facing his fastest opponent in a long time, if not ever.
Due to Gamboa’s low-held disregard for defence, it’s a good bet indeed that De Leon will get home with a good shot at some point; and can Gamboa, if he’s hit clean, either take the shot or get back up from it? On the other hand, will De Leon’s slower legs allow him to get out of the way of Gamboa’s not inconsiderable power?
This fight has the look of a truly intense battle. Call it Thunder Vs. Lightening. Call it Speed Vs. Power. Or, as I’ve done, call it Speed and Power Vs. Raw Power!
Whatever you call it, make sure you watch it!
I go for Gamboa to win in the later rounds, though he may well have to climb off the canvas to keep his unbeaten record.