Next chapter for Gamboa Starts Nov. 15 in Mexico

NEW YORK (Nov. 10, 2014) - The next chapter of multiple world champion Yuriorkis "The Cyclone of Guantanamo" Gamboa's (23-1, 16 KOs) illustrious boxing career startsNovember 15 as the 2004 Olympic gold medalist takes on upset-minded Joel Montes de Oca (18-3, 10 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature at Plaza de Toros in Cancon, Mexico. The show is being promoted Jose Gomez' Cancun Boxing, headlined by a 10-round featherweight fight between three-time super flyweight champion Cristian "El Diamente" Mijares (52-8-2, 25 KOs) and Lester Medrano (14-2-1, 9 KOs). Gamboa will be in an unfamiliar position coming off the first loss as a professional, this past June 28 in Omaha, Nebraska to undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion Terence Crawford (24-0, 17 KOs). Gamboa was stopped in the ninth round but the four-time Cuban National amateur champion gained more respect than ever with his gutsy performance and entertaining style in a legitimate Fight of the Year candidate that aired live on HBO Boxing After Dark. "I want my fans know that I feel great," the 32-year-old Gamboa said from his home in Miami. "I've been training very hard for this fight, which I'm taking very serious because I know the importance of ending the year on a positive note. I'm very happy with my new team. I'm now fully focused on becoming 'King' of the lightweight division, as well as hopefully being much more active in 2015 with my goal to fight three or four times next year. I am honored to fight in Mexico and I plan to fight there again in 2015." (L) 50 Cent & Gamboa  Gamboa defected from his native Cuba in 2006. The dangerous puncher has captured two World featherweight titles, in addition to three Interim World championships in three different weight classes, ranging from featherweight through lightweight. Excluding his loss to Crawford, Gamboa has defeated three world champions and seven world title challengers in his last 10 fights, including Orlando Salido,Daniel Ponce De Leon, Michael Farenas,  Jorge Solis,  Jonathan Victor Barros and Darleys Perez Montes de Oca has never fought outside of his native Mexico, nor anybody in the same class as Gamboa. In his last fight this past May, Montes de Oca won a 10-round split decision over Daniel Evangelista Jr. (17-3-1), extending his winning streak to 14. Gamboa is promoted by 50 Cent's (Curtis Jackson) SMS Promotions. Follow Gamboa on Twitter @Gamboa.

Claudio 'The Matrix' Marrero Growing into a World Champion

Dominican featherweight returns Friday in Pittsburgh vs. Felix Perez

Claudio "The Matrix" Marrero  (pictures by Rey Sanchez) MIAMI (August 5, 2014) - "The Matrix," world-rated featherweight Claudio Marrero(15-1, 11 KOs), has to be seen in order to truly appreciate his tremendous athleticism in the ring. The dynamic Dominican returns to the ring this Friday night in Pittsburgh in an eight-round bout against former World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX champion Felix Perez (8-6, 3 KOs), of Puerto Rico. "He is a very elusive, aggressive southpaw who can pick apart his opponent, counter-punching from the outside," Marrero's manager/head trainer Herman Caicedo described his 25-year-old fighter's style.   "He uses his jab and effectively cuts-off the ring. He's learning how to not complicated things, even with his style he doesn't have to avoid every punch, and he knows he has to sit in the pocket more to be even more effective." Marrero learned a valuable lesson August 23, 2013 at Turning Stone Casino, when he suffered the first and only loss of his professional career by way of a close 12-round decision (116-111, 115-112, 114-113) to Jesus Marcelo Andres Cuellar (22-1) for the Interim World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title. In retrospect, the then 24-year-old Marrero had only 14 pro fights under his belt, and the quantum leap into a world title fight, even an interim, was somewhat premature. "Maybe it was a bit premature," Marrero admitted, "but at the end of the day, it was a world title fight opportunity. It just wasn't my night but that loss has made me a better fighter. I've never been egotistical, always a humble man, and that fight humbled me more and I'm a bigger man today because of it. I learned that I have to be 100-percent at my best to win a big fight." Marrero has a rich amateur pedigree, finishing with a sterling 297-12 record and, at the tender age of 17, he lost by a mere single point to two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning unified world bantamweight champion, undefeated Cuban great Guillermo Rigondeaux, in an amateur bout held in Havana. Training the last four years in South Florida has provided Marrero with invaluable sparring sessions with Rigondeaux and another Olympic gold medalist from Cuba,Yuriorkis Gamboa, also a multiple world champion as a professional. "Everybody benefits from that sparring, not just me, but probably me more than anybody," WBA No. 6-rated Marrero explained. "I fought 'Rigo' in the amateurs and have had more than 100 rounds sparring with both him and Gamboa. I've gained a lot more confidence in my skills having sparred with them." Caicedo. who also manages and trains undefeated bantamweight Juan Carlos Payano (15-0, 8 KOs), a two-time Dominican Olympian scheduled to challenge WBA Super bantamweight Anselmo Moreno on September 26, believes Marrero is special because of his unique talent as well as the sacrifices he has made. "I think he needs two or three more wins and then he's in position for another world title fight," Caicedo remarked. "The fight he lost was a little premature - he was still a baby in boxing - but the opportunity arose and we took a shot. He learned a lot and he's on his way back to the top. "Claudio is very reserved. He deeply cares about family, especially his wife and three-year-old son. He is very dedicated, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to be world champion. Look at what he's sacrificed the last four years, leaving his family in the Dominican Republic to train here. He only gets to go home once or twice a year. It's a lot easier for other guys to sacrifice when they go home every day after training. He lives in the gym; always happy and training hard." A Dominican brotherhood among boxers has helped Marrero better deal with separation from his family, in addition to him living in a foreign country in which he doesn't speak its native language, English. "I believe there is a strong brotherhood of Dominicans who support each other worldwide in professional boxing," Marrero concluded. "I admire Joan Guzman for breaking away from the Dominican to accomplish all he has in boxing. I've oftened looked to him for advice." Follow Claudio Marrero on Twitter @MarreroMatrix.

Dierry Jean eyes Terence Crawford At lightweight or junior welterweight

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release   MONTREAL (July 9, 2014) - North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight champion Dierry "Dougy Style" Jean (26-1, 18 KOs) has zeroed in on undefeated World Boxing Association lightweight champion Terence "Bud" Crawford (24-0, 17 KOs) as a potential opponent for a career-defining fight. Last month, Jean stopped Mario Perez (15-5-4) in the eighth round for the vacant NABF title, five months after Jean lost a unanimous 12-round decision (118-111, 116-112, 116-113) to International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior welterweight champion Lamont Peterson. Nearly two weeks ago, Jean watched with great interest as Crawford eventually destroyed previously undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa (23-1, 16 KOs) on HBO. Crawford fought in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska, packing the venue with more than 11,000 enthusiastic fans, who loudly cheered as Crawford dropped Gamboa four times en route to a ninth-round stoppage. Immediately after the fight there was talk that Crawford may be moving up one division to fight as a junior welterweight. "I thought it was a very good fight," Jean said. "Both fighters got caught. Gamboa was just too small to fight Crawford. Crawford would be a good fight for me, one that I can win. I think it would be a very technical fight. It wouldn't matter if we fought at 135 (lightweight) or 140 (junior welterweight). Of course, I'd prefer to fight him at home in Montreal, but for the right deal I'd go there to fight him in Omaha. I fought Pederson in his hometown, Washington D.C." Jean's promoter, Camille Estephan (Eye of the Tiger Management), believes the time is right for another major fight for Jean and Crawford is the perfect opponent. "Crawford is a very good champion and he proved that beating Gamboa like he did," Estephan commented. "He's also the HBO darling right now but, remember, he fought a guy much smaller than him, and that was the big difference. Crawford is a perfect fight for Dierry, who can fight him at 135 or 140, whatever weight he picks. We're open to fighting him here (Montreal), or we're willing to go into his backyard in Omaha, if that's what it takes."     "'Dougy' is ready and able to fight the best at 135 or 140," Jean's head trainer Mike Moffa added. "His experience against Peterson will help us. Crawford is the ideal guy right now." For further information about Jean or any of his EOTTM stable-mates visit www.eottm.com, or follow him on Twitter @DierryJean.

DARLEYS PEREZ CAPTURES WBA INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE

  

Photo By: Gary Shaw Productions

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (June 28, 2014) - Tonight in Dominican Republic, Gary Shaw Productions' and Thompson Boxing Promotions',  Darleys Perez (30-1, 19 KOs), captured the WBA Interim Title with a hard fought victory against Argenis Lopez (19-1, 7 KOs), who was fighting in his home country.

From the opening bell, Perez was the busier fighter as he threw more punches and landed the cleaner shots.  Lopez never really got into a rhythm and Perez took advantage of the situation by outworking him throughout the fight.  Neither fighter was seriously hurt.  Scorecards read 116-112 and 117-111 twice, all in favor for Perez.

With the win, Perez cements himself as a serious player in the lightweight division.  Many fights can be made with Perez challenging any of the world champions at 135lbs.  Promoter Gary Shaw feels Perez is on his way to a big time fight.

"This is a very big win for us," said Gary Shaw. "Thompson Boxing and GSP are very thrilled to have another world champion to promote.  There are some big fights that can be made so we'll get working on some great opportunities for Perez.  For Perez to win a decision in Lopez's hometown is amazing.  He really earned this victory with tremendous heart and grandeur."

"I knew I had to give it my all to come out here and earn a decision," said Perez. "I felt I was in control of the fight from the very beginning.  I never let up and kept coming strong with controlled pressure.  I know my promoters, Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing have some big plans for my future, so I'm going to just enjoy this win and get back to work when I get home.  I'm happy to bring this title home to Colombia.

TERENCE CRAWFORD and YURIORKIS GAMBOA WORLD LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

With Top Rank's Carl Moretti and Crawford Co-Managers Brian McIntyre and Cameron Dunkin Wednesday, June 25 OMAHA, NEB (June 26, 2014) -- World Championship Boxing returns to Omaha for the first time in 42 years!  Undefeated world champions TERENCE CRAWFORD, the Pride of Omaha, and Cuban sensation YURIORKIS GAMBOA, who boast identical 23-0 (16 KOs) professional ring records, will be battling for Crawford's newly-won World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight title This Saturday! June 28, at the the CenturyLink Center in Omaha (455 North 10th St.,Omaha, Neb. 68102).  This will be the first world championship fight Omaha has hosted since Joe Frazier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Nebraska's-own Ron Stander on May 25, 1972.  It will also be a professional homecoming for Crawford, who has not fought in his home state since 2011.  The fight will be televised live onHBO Boxing After Dark®, in its first-ever visit to Omaha, beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.  The telecast will open with undefeated Top-Five contenders MATT KOROBOV and JOSE UZCATEGUI battling in a 10-round rumble for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title.             This exciting all-action doubleheader features four undefeated gladiators with a combined record of 91-0, 63 KOs.  *********************************** CARL MORETTI:  First I would like to say there is no truth to the rumor that we banned Bob Arum from the conference call.  Bob is home resting comfortably from his knee replacement surgery and I know he'll be watching the show on Saturday night. We pass  along our well wishes.  We have four undefeated fighters fighting Saturdaynight live on HBO [10 p.m. ET/PT]  Their combined records are a perfect 91-0 with nearly 70% of those victories coming by way of knockout.  Matt Korobov and Jose Uzcategui, world-rated No. 1 and No. 4 by the WBO, respectively, open the HBO telecast up and to the victor should go on to become the mandatory challenger to Peter Quillin.  And in the main event, Terence Crawford, the local hometown kid, makes the first defense of his title he won over is Scotland against Ricky Burns, battling one of the greatest amateurs ever and undefeated as a pro and a worthy contender for this title. YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  I am very anxious to get to the fight.  I met all the objectives that  I needed to in training camp to get our game plan together for this fight on Saturday night. CAMERON DUNKIN:  I am just very excited for Terrence and Brian both.  They were out in Omaha and we had a plan and it worked out - we knew we would get here and a lot of people thought we were crazy.  We're here and I'm really excited for them.  We look for a great fight - Gamboa is a great fighter and it's going to be a terrific fight. BRIAN McINTYRE:  I first would like to say thank you to Yuriorkis Gamboa for accepting the fight.  I am excited for Terence that he will be able to showcase his skills at this level and he being in his hometown.  I am expecting a great fight. TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I'm feeling good and I'm ready.  This is what I have been asking for all along and I am just ready for the moment. When you won the title in Glasgow, was it a plan to defend it in your hometown? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Yes, that was my goal, to make my first defense in Omaha and I was real pleased with Bob [Arum] keeping his word.  Now that we are here I am just happy for everything.  I am in my hometown where my fans have never really got to see me perform as a professional and I am ready for the moment There are always stories of distractions, tickets etc., when a fighter fights in his hometown.  Have you experienced that? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I don't handle any of that - no tickets or t-shirts, so they can't call me for nothing.  So I am not worried about the distractions. BRIAN McINTYRE:  Well, we already have a game plan planned out - what everybody's job is going to be as far as the tickets go and the t-shirts.  We are keeping Terence secluded so he has no distractions.  We talked about that months in advance and now we are just executing the plan. Do you have knowledge of the last world championship fight that took place in Omaha? [Joe Frazier vs. Ron Stander World Heavyweight Championship, May 25, 1972] TERENCE CRAWFORD:  It was news to me.  I never knew about it until a few years back.  I know about it now and that's all that matters. You looked much bigger than Gamboa at the initial press conference.  Do you feel you have a big size advantage?  Do you think you will use it? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Like I tell everybody - you never know.  Gamboa is a real skillful fighter and he can make adjustments in the ring as the fight goes on.  We just have to wait to see what happens. Gamboa, you are shorter than most of your opponents, but this seems more so... YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  I answer that question by going back to all of the fights in my professional career.  I have been pretty much the smaller fighter in all of my fights, so I don't think it will have much of an affect.  I know how to adjust and I know how to come in with a game plan.  It's just something I have dealt with since I was an amateur - I have always been the smaller guy. Will the layoff affect you - you fought once in 2012 and once in 2013? YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  Basically no, not as long as I am focused.   I have stayed active - maybe not in the ring but I have done what I need to do outside of the ring to be prepared for Saturday night.  I have remained active in the gym. Gamboa has been tweeting some odd things towards you - how do you feel about that? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I just look at it as being part of boxing.  That's something he feels he wants to do and I don't take it personally.  I am going to go in there, comeSaturday, and look at him eye-to-eye and see what he has to say then. Does Gamboa pose a big challenge to you? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  He is going to be a big challenge.  He is a great fighter, like myself.  I never got hit by him so I don't know about his power. How is he different than Burns? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Gamboa has a lot more amateur experience, but at the same time they are two different fights.  One is tall and one is short and they fight two different styles. How do you feel about fighting in your hometown? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  My managers, Cameron Dunkin and Brian McIntyre - they came in and got the job done.  I am just blessed to be able to fight in Omaha. Do you feel this is a career-defining fight for you? YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  Like in any career, obviously it is a defining moment and I plan to take full advantage. Where does Yuri feel that Terence falls talent-wise? YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  Until I fight him on Saturday I really can't answer that question. How have you dealt with the demands on your time while fighting in your hometown? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  We've been keeping a low profile.  When we got back into town from training camp [in Colorado Springs] there wasn't a big entourage.  I actually didn't let anyone know when I was coming back into town.  It's been kind of cool - just chillin' and waiting on the fight. Cameron? CAMERON DUNKIN:  I leave that up to Brian.  These guys have lived there their whole lives.  Brian and I were concerned about it and we had a long talk about it.  He told me he would set everything up and keep all the distractions away.  Brian has done a great job, giving everyone jobs so Terence is just focused on the fight and ready to go.  He hasn't had any distractions and Brian has assured me he is ready to go. Do you get a feeling, by walking around town, the magnitude of the event? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Yes, I can tell it is big.  Big not just for me but for the city of Omaha, Nebraska.  It's not just the boxing community; it is all the people in Omaha.  I can also tell that I give the people hope - that they can be what they want to be, if you believe and work hard at it. How do you characterize yourself?  Some say you are a southpaw and some say you are a switch-hitter? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I don't look at myself as one-dimensional.  I can fight a lot of different ways - I'm very flexible. What type of challenge does Terence pose to you? YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  It's part of the sport.  Obviously you are going to fight guys that can switch up on you.  Some can master either the southpaw or orthodox stance, but it's something you have to deal with.  You have to prepare to face that challenge. When was the last time you went to fight in someone's back yard - or as the B-side of the promotion? YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  In Kazakhstan is the last time I can remember, in 2006. Do you plan to attack Gamboa, since he has been off for a while and he may have a suspect chin? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I never go into the ring thinking that's the way he is going to be - I just go in to fight my fight.  I don't go in there looking for the knockout.  If it comes it comes and if it doesn't it doesn't. Who made the decision to take this fight against Crawford? YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  I think it is well known that the dialogue and conversation between my team and Top Rank was a fight with Mikey Garcia, but that was not going to happen - there are some legalities between them that wouldn't let the fight take place, and that's when Top Rank suggested we make this fight happen and we decided that was a good option as well. Terence, what do you think you will bring to the table that will give Gamboa problems?  He mentioned that he has been fighting guys like you since his young amateur days in Cuba... TERENCE CRAWFORD:  We are going to have to wait until Saturday.  The guys he has fought, I am pretty sure don't have the same style as me.  He may have fought guys with similar styles but no one has the same exact style as me.  So we will have to see on Saturday. What one thing that you will bring to the table will get you the victory? TERENCE CRAWFORD:  Just me being myself.  Me going in there and fighting my fight. YURIORKIS GAMBOA:  I would say that my boxing IQ I think is very high - that is one thing that a lot of people underestimate in me.  My boxing abilities give me an advantage in a lot of fights that I go into.  My speed and my reflexes - a combination of a lot of those things I think will lead me to a victory on Saturday. TERENCE CRAWFORD:  I say good luck to Gamboa.  I know we are going to be ready and he'll be ready and to all of the fans out there support Gamboa and me and buy tickets to the fight, support the fight and thanks for having me. CARL MORETTI:  Obviously this is a hot event here in Omaha and we have opened up the remaining seats in the upper level to accommodate the demand.   Fans are welcome to watch the live-stream of Thursday's final press conference atwww.toprank.tv [3 p.m. ET / Noon PT] and attend Friday's Official Weigh-In, which will take place at the CenturyLink Center Omaha, beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time.  We are looking forward to it. ********************             Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with SMS Promotions, PS4 andTecate, remaining tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa, priced at $27, $52 and $102, can be purchased at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets. To charge-by-phone call 800-745-3000.  To order online, visitTicketmaster.com.              For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, orfacebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, or twitter.com/hboboxing.  Use the Hashtag #CrawfordGamboa to join the conversation on Twitter.

DARLEYS PEREZ FIGHTS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT WBA INTERIM TITLE THIS SATURDAY IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

  

Photo Credit Tom Casino / Showtime

June 25, 2014 - Gary Shaw Productions and Thompson Boxing Promotions lightweight contender, Darleys Perez (29-1, 19 KOs) will fight for the interim WBA World title against Argenis Lopez (19-0, 7 KOs) at the Sheraton Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this Saturday June 28, 2014.

After suffering his first lost to Yuriorkis Gamboa over a year ago, Perez returned to the win column with a convincing victory against Dunis Linan back in December of 2013.  Perez who is ranked WBA #5 looks to position himself for a title shot with a victory against Lopez is rated WBA #4. 

"I've had plenty of time to reflect on my defeat to Gamboa," said Perez. "I've came back with a win against Linan and my confidence is where it needs to be moving forward.  Lopez is coming to fight as am I, so I'm expecting to face a fighter who is determined to take food off my table.  I'm not going to let it happen.  I've worked too hard get back in this position and Lopez better be ready to die in the ring because I am."

"I've only fought once in the last twelve months but I've been training hard while I was on down time," Perez continued. "I'm healthy, in great shape, and I'm ready to go the distance if need be.  I'm going to Lopez's hometown so I'll be gunning for the knockout as I don't want to leave any doubt in the judges' minds."

"Darleys has a great opportunity to put himself in a great position to fight for another world title," said Gary Shaw. "If he comes out victorious, which I believe he will, then I'll be working to get him a title shot against the champion, Richard Abril.  Right now he must focus on Lopez and bring home the victory."

 

Gamboa fighting Crawford to be Recognized once again as One of top boxers in world

Saturday's HBO main event in Omaha, Nebraska

MIAMI (June 23, 2014) - Undefeated multiple-time world champion Yuriorkis "The Cyclone of Guantanamo" Gamboa (23-0, 16 KOs) firmly believes he is one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world and he plans to back that up this Saturday night against World Boxing Organization (WBO) lightweight champion Terence Crawford (23-0, 16 KOs). Promoted by Top Rank, in association with 50 Cent's SMS Promotions, PS4 and Tecate, Crawford vs. Gamboa will be the 12-round main event, airing live on HBO Boxing After Dark, starting at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, from Century Link Center in Omaha, Nebraska. A four-time Cuban National amateur champion, Gamboa clearly has a decisive advantage over Crawford in terms of overall experience and quality of opposition fought. He had more than 250 amateur matches, highlighted by gold medal performances at the 2004 Olympics, 2006 World Cup and 2003 Pan-American Games. After defecting in in 2006, the now Miami-based boxer-puncher has twice captured World featherweight titles, in addition to three Interim World championships in three different weight classes, from featherweight through lightweight. The 32-year-old possessor of rare speed and power doesn't listen to his critics. "I really don't have anything to prove to anybody but myself," he explained. "My goal has always been to be recognized as one of the best fighters in the world. I don't have to prove anything and only need to make accomplishments for me and my family." While Gamboa has defeated three world champions and seven world title challengers in his last 10 fights, the gifted Crawford is relatively inexperienced in major fights with the exception of his last, in which he traveled this past March to Scotland and took the WBO 135-pound division title home to America, winning a 12-round unanimous decision over local favorite and defending champion Ricky Burns (26-2-1). Gamboa is unfazed fighting in Crawford's hometown, or by his skeptics, and he's looking forward to showcasing his immense talent on HBO again. "I can't speak for him but I'm going into this fight with the same approach," Gamboa said. "I think it's going to be more of a thinking game than physical. I need to spot his weaknesses and exploit them. Whether I stop or him, or it lasts 12 rounds, I expect my hand to be raised as the winner." HBO Boxing: Yuriorkis Gamboa Greatest Hits Reserved tickets to Crawford vs. Gamboa are on sale starting at just $27.00, with remaining tiers priced at $52.00 and $102.00. Tickets are available to purchase at the CenturyLink Center Omaha box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, call 800-745-3000 to charge-by-hone, or order online at www.TicketMaster.com. Follow Gamboa on Twitter @Gamboa. -Photo by Shareif Ziyadat -