Earlier today at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, the final press conference for this weekend?s Yuriorkis Gamboa-Orlando Salido featherweight unification card was held. Gamboa is the undefeated, reigning champion from Cuba who will be looking to add Salido?s scalp to his resume. A victory for the 28-year old could lead to a huge clash with Juan Manuel Lopez in 2011.
Heading into the bout Salido had been best known for losing a decision to living legend Juan Manuel Marquez in September of 2004 and seeing his November 2006 victory over Robert Guerrero changed to a no contest after he tested positive for steroids shortly thereafter. Salido won his IBF belt against Cristobal Cruz this past May and is trained by former champion Daniel Zaragoza who now also oversees the duties to Rafael Marquez.
The co-feature of the night is an intriguing clash between unbeaten lightweights Brandon Rios and Anthony Peterson. Rios is coming off of resounding 3rd round blowout over Jorge Teron and is trained by Robert Garcia, who also works with Antonio Margarito, Nonito Donaire and others.
Rios informed me that he has respect for Peterson?s skills but that he doesn?t see anything truly special in the D.C. fighter. Sporting a 30-0 record with 20 stoppages, Peterson has shown pockets of serious tenacity in his young career and his aggressive, body-punching style will likely mesh well with Rios. The fight is a WBA eliminator and the winner will be in line to face Mexico City?s Juan Manuel Marquez, so much is riding on the contest.
Also on the card will be Las Vegas prospect Diego Magdaleno, young sensation Jose Benavidez Jr., Notre Dame alum Mike Lee and others. For a picture by picture look at the final press conference please continue on to the slideshow below?
