Top Rank: We’re Going Forward With The Fight On April 14th!
According to Top Rank promotions’ Todd duBoef, the highly anticipated clash between the Cuban sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa and the Oxnard Brawler Brandon Rios will go on as planned… despite the Cuban being M.I.A for both press tour stops.
On Monday, Rios and Gamboa were set to kick off the media tour in Miami Fl., a stop apparently requested by Gamboa himself, however the former featherweight world champion was nowhere to be found.
On Tuesday at the Biltmore Hotel in the heart of Downtown L.A, Gamboa was again a no-show.
[Watch L.A Press Conference Video]
Rios In L.A
“I went to Miami, I did my job, I showed up and Gamboa was nowhere to be found” said Rios “I’m here in L.A and Gamboa is nowhere to be found. That just goes to show you that he is intimidated by me, he’s scared or I don’t know what. I’m ready for the fight. Gamboa may be trying to play mind games. He thinks it’s going to affect my mind or whatever but It’s not. It’s just going to make me stronger and better”
“Im just ready for April 14th. The fight is still on I guess. I’m ready, with him or without him, I’m ready”
Before the press conference started the bout was being described by insiders as Mayweather-Pacquiao for the hardcore fans. Later duBoef would compare the match-up to Mayweather-Corales and explain how the high demand for tickets forced them to open up up more seats at the Mandalay Bay.
Todd duBoef of Top Rank
“There was an incredible demand for tickets” said duBoef ” we were shocked. I was talking on the phone with the Mandalay Bay, [saying] listen we have to open up more seats”
“As a promoter, I’m like, this is incredible. We have a buzz going. This reminds me of Mayweather-Corrales, two undefeated guys at a certain point in their career. Some say it’s Chavez-Taylor”
“This outpouring response for this great fight deserves something even greater.In appreciation of both guys coming to the table and agreeing. We’re also going to throw in a $100,000 out of our pocket for a bonus to the winner. This is what fights are made for. A fight bonus to get back to what it means to be a prize fighter. You fans want it, now lets see how hungry they are to want it”
“You show up, You win, you make money, you make a name for yourself. That is what’s on the table right now and We are going forward with the fight on April 14th”