The last time Jorge Solis fought in America, it was a 2007 loss to one Manny Pacquiao. From that point on, Pacquiao went on a tear, becoming arguably boxing’s biggest star.
If Yuriorkis Gamboa defeats Solis on Saturday (HBO, 9:45 p.m. ET) for the WBA world and IBF featherweight titles, it could easily send the 29-year-old Guantanamo, Cuba, native down a similar path. Especially considering many expect his next fight, should he take care of Solis, would be with Juan Manuel Lopez, the WBO featherweight champion.
“We’ve been discussing a lot with Juan Manuel Lopez,” Gamboa said, “but there’s a lot to talk about until it’s finalized. I don’t really think about it that much.”
Gamboa is a quiet assassin. He admits he does not like doing interviews and talking about his fights beforehand.
“I let my skills do the talking,” Gamboa said.
They have spoken loudly throughout his career. He sits undefeated with 19 wins. One of his signature wins came two fights ago, when he knocked Rogers Mtagwa down three times within the first two rounds, forcing a second-round stoppage. Interestingly enough, Mtagwa went the distance with Lopez prior to that, losing a decision.
In Gamboa’s last two fights, he, too, had to go all 12 rounds, winning decisions over Jonathan Victor Barros and Orlando Salido. After not dominating those two opponents nearly to the extent he did Mtagwa, many experts believe Gamboa may have a tough time with the veteran Solis.
“He brings a lot of experience to the table,” Gamboa explained. “He’s been a champion in the 130-pound weight division. I have to thank God I feel great. I’m ready to go for this fight.”
With an impressive performance Saturday, Gamboa would not only continue his rise, but serve notice to Lopez and the rest of the featherweight division that he is the man to beat.
Per his modus operandi, Gamboa would not make any predictions for his bout with Solis. Instead, he has an affirmation for his fans, and as usual, it’s short and to the point.
“I always give 115 percent.”
