Bob Arum Will Pursue Chris John-Yuriorkis Gamboa For March

Filed under: WBA, IBF, WBO, Boxing Rumors, HBO, FanHouse Exclusive, Top Rank Promotions

Top Rank Promotions CEO Bob Arum told FanHouse that he will push for an HBO televised early March showdown between unbeaten WBA featherweight (126 pounds) champions Chris John (pictured at far right), of Indonesia, and, Cuban-born, former Olympic gold medalist, Yuriorkis Gamboa, who is also the IBF titlist.

The 31-year-old John (44-0-2, 22 knockouts) pitched a near shutout, unanimous decision victory over Fernando David Saucedo (38-5-3, one KO), of Argentina, on Sunday in what was the 13th straight defense of his crown before his partisan fans at the Indoor Tennis Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The 28-year-old Gamboa (19-0, 15 KOs), of Miami, is coming off of September's unanimous decision victory over Orlando Salido (34-10-2, 22 KOs) that earned him the IBF crown.

John has been declared the champion in recess by the WBA due to injury problems stemming from rib damage prior to his bout with Saucedo. The WBA also recognizes Gamboa as its "Super Champion."

"We're reaching out to make the Chris John fight as soon as Sampson Lewkowicz gets back," Arum said, referring to John's business manager and a bout that has been mandated by the WBA to take place by April 19. "We would like to make that fight happen in the beginning of March on HBO."

In the event of a purse bid, John would receive the favorable split of 55 percent to Gamboa's 45 percent.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2010/12/06/bob-arum-will-pursue-chris-john-yuriorkis-gamboa-for-march/

Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers anderson silva best mma bj penn cage fighter