Most observers have written off Yuriorkis Gamboa ahead of his November 7 clash with Devin Haney in Florida, but the Cuban’s manager Jesse Rodriguez believes a shock is on the cards.
Gamboa (30-3, 18 KOs) was halted in the final round by Gervonta Davis in a WBA Regular 135lbs title bid last December and will be 39 at the end of the year. His career appears to be winding down and he seems perfectly cast as a high profile, low risk name for Haney (24-0, 15 KOs) to dismantle and beat the drum for bigger fights.
The Cuban suffered a complete tear of his right Achilles tendon against Davis, which his manager believes was a major factor in that defeat. A fully recovered Gamboa can beat Haney, insists Rodriguez.
“This is part of the end of his career, but I don’t think it’s the end of Gamboa. He still has it,” Rodriguez told journalist George Ebro. “The difference is that Davis hits harder, is faster and more uncomfortable [than Haney]. Haney is a better boxer, he has a better style, with more height and reach, but I think Gamboa’s experience can overcome that. It will be the classic confrontation between experience and youth. When a boy like Haney starts out, he always tries to find that veteran who brings him a name, but I hope, God helps us, that they were wrong this time with Gamboa.
“[Gamboa] is very excited about this fight, he tells me from his heart that he prayed for this opportunity to be given and it was presented to him. He is convinced that he will play a good role in this fight and that he will be champion. He is aware that the world is discarding him and uses that as encouragement.
“He earned it. What he showed in the ring against Davis was incredible and that brought this opportunity. Do you know what it’s like to fight 11 rounds with a broken Achilles [tendon]? And it was his strong supporting foot. They gave him the opportunity [with Haney] because they know that he is a warrior who comes to fight and put on a good show.”
Main image: Amanda Westcott/Showtime.