Gamboa and Barthelemy victorious at US-debuts This content is protected arena's two Cuban Olympic gold medallists Yan Barthelemy and Yuriorkis Gamboa made big impression with their US-debuts in Hollywood, Florida last night. 3,500 fans at the "Seminole Warriors" show at Hollywood's Hard Rock Hotel were thrilled by the performance of super featherweight Gamboa who stopped strong Brazilian Adailton de Jesus (No. 11 in WBA ratings) in 6. Most people thought the fight should have ended in round one when Gamboa knocked down his opponent with a stunning right out of nowhere. But de Jesus recovered from the big bang and came back to put up the hardest fight Gamboa had to go through in his (professional) career so far. In round four the 25-year-old even went down to the canvas after slipping out (which was interpreted as a knock-down by the referee who gave Gamboa the first eight-count of his young career). But arena's "cyclone from Guantanamo" was not impressed at all. Under enthusiastic "Cuba, Cuba"-chants Gamboa threw his combinations as fast as usual and finally delivered a powerful series of punches in round six that forced the ref to stop the fight. Gamboa: "I think I could have finished him earlier but I enjoyed myself in the ring and wanted to use every minute to present myself to the US audience. It was great to fight in Florida, especially because it was the first time my wife and my daughter could watch me fight live. I dedicate this victory to them." Manager Ahmet Öner: "Gamboa did it again: He proofed that he is the one and only 'talent of the century' in boxing today. I have never seen anybody stepping into the ring and simply destroying such strong opponents after only six pro-fights. De Jesus is one of the best fighters of the world and never had a chance against the power, speed and accuracy of Gamboa. I think he is ready for an international title fight now. If he proceeds like this, Gamboa will be arena's first World Champion by next year." Gamboa's fellow countryman Yan Barthelemy also scored a victory by clearly decisioning Kevin Hudgins from Florida. All judges agreed that Barthelemy had won all of the four rounds though Hudgins was stronger opposition than expected by most. Öner: "It was no easy fight for Yan but you need fights like that especially in the early stages of your career." Both men will be back in action in December. Öner hasn't decided yet whether he wants to present them in the USA again or bring them back to Europe for their next bouts. In general, he wants to focus more and more on the US-market. Öner: "Tonight was history in the making: arena's first step into the USA. I think we made a lasting impression. And we will definitely back to take over America!" Miami, 30. Oktober 2007
