Earlier tonight WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa arrived at the McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada for his clash against fellow champion Orlando Salido this Saturday night at the Palms Casino. The undefeated Cuban will be looking to make a statement against the IBF titlist, as a potential 2011 super bout with WBO titlist Juan Manuel Lopez looks to be in the works.
Gamboa trained for the contest at the Fight Factory Gym in Tampa, Florida, the same facility used by reigning WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto, and seems to realize how much is riding on this fight. The 28-year old?s blazing speed has been impressive but his defensive deficiencies have also been on display in the past as he has been stunned and dropped in previous contests after leaving his guard down.
Salido won his title with a decision over Cristobal Cruz in May and is known best for losing a decision to Juan Manuel Marquez six years ago and testing positive for steroids two years later after his upset victory over Gilroy, California?s Robert Guerrero. Salido?s victory decision was changed to a no contest and he flew under the radar a bit before getting his first championship taste earlier this year.
Gamboa is the heavy favorite coming into the bout and people are dying to see him test his skills against world class competition. The HBO-televised showcase will also feature a WBA lightweight eliminator between undefeated pugilists Brandon Rios and Anthony Peterson.
For a look at Gamboa?s arrival please check out the slideshow below?
