As reported by BoxingScene there seems to be a lot of moves being made in the Featherweight division, arguably one of the sport?s most overlooked classes. Top Rank boss Bob Arum, who has both WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez and WBA titlist Yuriorkis Gamboa is reportedly eyeing future contests for both men.
Lopez has a July 10th clash with worthy challenger Bernabe Concepcion to take care of first and that is certainly no easy task. Concepcion is coming off of a solid ten round decision over Lopez? countryman Mario Santiago this past February in Las Vegas and figures to make for a stiff test of the Puerto Rican?s skills. If Lopez does emerge victorious Arum has stated his desires to match him with still capable Rafael Marquez, who is coming off of a 3rd round TKO over Israel Vasquez in their fourth bout.
Lopez was sitting ringside at the Staples Center last weekend for Marquez? victory and he surely would love the chance to test his mettle against the Mexico City fighter. It should be noted that Marquez? promoter Gary Shaw has also expressed interest in pitting the two-time division champion against Armenian Vic Darchinyan. Who knows how things will play out but Marquez is obviously finding himself back in the picture with his victory over Vazquez.
Arum also stated that Yuriorkis Gamboa will be returning to the ring this July 24th at the Palms Casino but that a change of opponent is likely in order. Arum had originally planned to pit the Cuban against very dangerous Celestino Caballero but reportedly the Panamanian priced himself out of the contest. HBO is televising Gamboa?s fight and was said to have not offered much of a fee for the date, making it nearly impossible to suit the desires of the interim champion. It is a shame because Caballero, who is coming off of a dominant decision over Daud Yordan last month, would likely test Gamboa more than any fighter so far in his career.
It is likely that WBC champion Elio Rojas will likely get the call to face Gamboa and that is a meaningful fight in itself. Sporting a 22-1 record with 13 knockouts at 27 years of age, Rojas is in the prime of his career and has shown great improvement in recent years. The Dominican captured his bet with a decision win over Takahiro Ao in Japan.
For a closer look at Juan Manuel Lopez and the other stars of the Featherweight division please check out the ?Boxing in pictures? directory below?
