It took years of waiting for Manny Pacquiao to shine in the global boxing spotlight until he met the Mexican legendary warrior, Marco Antonio Barrera. A rare opportunity to fight the world?s best had given the Pacman a golden opportunity to show the best within himself and showcase his extra-ordinary talent. What ensued from his climb to the top was an explosion of global recognition that was once primarily only die-hard Filipino boxing . In this fight Pacquiao detonated every possible weapon in his arsenal which shattered the pride of the proud Barrera — and the noise of victory was all heard everywhere like a nuclear bomb. Did you hear the explosion, – ?Pacquiao devoured Barrera!??
This time, Cuban Yuriorkis Gamboa (18-0-16KOSs), a 4-Time Cuban National Champion, Gold Medalist in 2003 Pan American Games, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist, and 2006 World Cup Champion. His gradual deposit of impressive boxing victories and natural gifts seems to walk on a similar path towards stardom like what Pacquiao and Mike Tyson had achieved.
Gamboa was actually one of Cuba?s best-kept bombs for the Olympic competitions, yet, he opted to be ?on the loose? when he defected from Cuba?s imprisoning system of government and trained in Valenzuela. Along with his teammates, Gamboa snuck out to Colombia, then to Germany to secure a visa in the U.S. The Cuban power-puncher simply could not bare locking his boxing talents in solitary confinement at the hands of the government. Like Manny, who was imprisoned by hardships and poverty, Gamboa was reported to have sold his Olympic medal just to sustain his family needs. Hence, his drive to reach the ?Land of milk and honey? was insurmountable.
His hard-earned but less-heard achievements began to gain recognition when he won the Interim WBA Featherweight title by stopping Jose Rojas in April 2009. Then in October of the same year, he whacked Whyber Garcia into submission to capture the WBA Featherweight title. The glitters of his talent gradually shone brighter when he toppled the durable Rogers Mtagwa in two rounds at WaMu Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City before he outguned the Argentinian Victor Barros in a impressive fashion.
The silent Cuban bomber is a strong-offensive fighter. His physical make-up adds a marginal edge of strength with power-packed in both hands. Gamboa has also been known for his resilient spirit to survive especially from knockdowns.
Gamboa is scheduled to face the current IBF Featherweight Champion Orlando Salido (34-10-2, 22 KOs) of Mexico in the ?Battle of Champions? this coming Sept. 11 at the Palms Resort Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. He is under a hard training at a facility in Tampa, Florida where world champion, Miguel Cotto once set his training camp.
How long will this Cuban ?silent bomb? need to wait in order to explode to stardom? How many less-known opponents does he need to sweep along the way just to find his greatest and defining moment of his boxing career? Who can be the best possible opponent that he will face? Does he need to overcome undefeated champions, the Panamanian ?Towering Inferno? Celestino Caballero, Indonesian Dragon? Chris John, and the Puerto Rican monster, Juan Manuel Lopez before he can meet his defining battle that will detonate the ?greatest talent in him?? – But how long?
We really never know the accurate answer- as to when and how -but all we know is that- Boom!!! -this Cuban ?silent bomb? may just explode anytime without warning in the ring! Gamboa is worth keeping tabs on.
