Boxing fans have demanded a confrontation between World Boxing Organization featherweight title holder Juan Manuel Lopez (30-0, 27 KOs) and International Boxing Federation champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (19-0, 15 KOs) for a year, only to have promoter Bob Arum promise it will happen – after hurdles have been cleared by both men.
Following a memorable, hard fought stoppage victory against Rafael Marquez on Saturday night, Arum informed the boxing world that he has plans to pit the Puerto Rican Lopez against Gamboa, but not until June of 2011. Arum plans to bring Lopez back to his homeland of Puerto Rico in March against an unnamed opponent.
A rematch against Marquez, who quit before the ninth round due to a right shoulder injury, was also a possibility according to Arum, but only after Lopez fights in Puerto Rico and against Gamboa.
No where in Arum’s plans was Panamanian Celestino Caballero (34-2, 23 KOs) been named. The dangerous contender has challenged Lopez for two years, attempting to bait him via crude insults in the media, and going as far as fighting with members of Lopez’s team after the weigh-in for Saturday night’s fight.
Lopez named Marquez, Gamboa, and World Boxing Association Super World title holder Chris John (43-0, 22 KOs) as the opponents he is most interested in fighting.
