I'm half algerian and we respected Cuba a lot they saved us from the war against Marocco in 1963, Algeria was weak after the civil war against France. So of course Gamboa is a true warrior for me and he is like the spirit of Cuba.
For me Cuba have the best boxer in the history better than French Empire (who was also very impressive). But Cuba and after Soviet Union boxers and after in third French Empire boxers (in addition americans who have french origins like Jimmy Doyle for example), are very very underrated.
I remember how much hype he got back then. Athletically he was phenomenal but very technically flawed similar to Naseem Hamed and Roy Jones Jr. He relied too much on his speed and power and got dropped so many times but he was so damn fun to watch. Still frustrating that Yuriorkis Gamboa vs Juanma Lopez never happened. Also having 50 Cent as your promoter didn’t help his career either.
Those fans who clamour for fights being marinated and big paydays for their heroes really cost us big time with this one. Gamboa Vs Lopez, the fight that got away.
Great fighter. I was just starting to get into boxing again when he was coming up, I remember he was supposed to be the next big thing. But his career never really panned out. 50 cent ruined him, and he should have never fought crawford. Sucks we never got juanma vs gamboa, both shaky chins but action fighters.
Gamboa didn't realise his potential IMO. He had some great arsenals to his game but had too many flaws such as his size, chin and defence, and he was always a step below Crawford.
Gamboa never belonged at 135. And we missed out on most of Gamboa´s prime. He easily beat Orlando Salido and Ponce De Leon. But after that the inactivity set in. And every time he fought, he moved up in weight which was just stupid. He had no business being in that ring with Crawford that night. Wasted potential.
Dude..I had the pleasure of watching Gamboa fight live in 2008. He was lightning in a bottle. me and some friends drove from Las Vegas to the California State line called the Desert Star Arena. fantastic fighter at 126. he was shot to bits by the time he faced Crawford.
Nice. Saw him box Rogers Mtagwa at MSG and he destroyed him in 2 rounds. 6 months earlier Juama barely got by Mtagwa on a split. Levels, he would have schooled Lopez relatively easily. Shame it never happened.
Gamboa never belonged any higher than 130. His handlers really dropped the ball on that. That and not actually making a Gamboa/Juanma fight.