Top Rank accepts Yuriorkis Gamboa-Chris John decreed fight
The World Boxing Association has ordered a mandatory fight between Chris John (43-0, 22 KOs), “champion in recess,” and “super champion” Yuriorkis Gamboa (19-0, 15 KOs) within 120 days or a purse bid will
be decided between the two.
Vice President of Top Rank, Carl Moretti, said that his team would “absolutely” entertain a match between the two undefeated featherweight champions. Pitting the two together would be one if not the biggest
prospective match of the division.
Gamboa is promoted by Top Rank, and John by business rival Golden Boy Promotions. Though a rift between the two companies has severely affected matchmaking possibilities in recent months, a sanctioning
body mandate insures there would be no interruptions following the appropriate 120 day deadline.
Should Gamboa defeat John he will likely plan a fight with WBO titlist Juan Manuel Lopez, who takes on Rafael Marquez 6 November.
Speaking on behalf of Gamboa, Moretti said: "We have no problem fighting the guy, Chris John, but you need a date to fight him on. So, that's really the thing that we're looking at is when is the next
time that Gamboa could be on HBO.”
He added: “I think that would determine a little bit more what our position would be on Chris John. It's absolutely a fight that we would entertain. But for Gamboa and John, we're actually waiting for
the WBA to give us some resolution as to timing. We'd love to fight Chris John."
Gamboa, a Cuban fighter, defected from Cuba in 2007 to initiate a professional career. He currently resides in Hamburg, Germany. He sold his 2004 gold medal from the Athens Olympics to help support his
family.
Gamboa is considered one of the best featherweights in the world. He has a devastating arsenal, and is especially apt with gutting body punches. Analysts have noted that he sometimes appears a bit wild
in the ring, which could be to his detriment, but his athletic abilities speak for themselves and are probably unmatched in the division.
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