Yuriorkis Gamboa in Play To Be Golden Boy Bound
By Rick Reeno
A few weeks ago, I reported that Ahmet Öner, CEO of Arena Box [based in Germany], broke his ties with promoter Gary Shaw, and pulled his fighters in the process. Without question the most important fighter in the Arena/Shaw deal was featherweight prospect Yuriorkis Gamboa (12-0, 10 KOs). At the time, Öner was pursuing a possible deal with the wily veteran himself, Don King, who Öner felt would help him bring along Gamboa, and more importantly Arena's heavyweight prospect Odlanier Solis (11-0, 7KOs).
According to sources close to the negotiations, the potential Arena-King deal, where King would take over Shaw's role as the American-based promoter, was close to being finalized. As they always say in boxing - nothing is guaranteed. BoxingScene.com has since learned that a few issues came up and talks hit a brick wall. And although there are those who still feel the deal with King will be made, the latest word coming out of Germany is that Öner is also talking to Golden Boy Promotions.
Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy, confirmed the Arena Box whispers to BoxingScene, and says Golden Boy is obviously interested in picking up a fighter like Gamboa. As to whether or not Golden Boy will actually land Gamboa, that's still up for debate.
"We have had several discussions and we are always interested in signing top talent, but ultimately I can't say for sure that Golden Boy will co-promote Gamboa," Schaefer said
By Rick Reeno
A few weeks ago, I reported that Ahmet Öner, CEO of Arena Box [based in Germany], broke his ties with promoter Gary Shaw, and pulled his fighters in the process. Without question the most important fighter in the Arena/Shaw deal was featherweight prospect Yuriorkis Gamboa (12-0, 10 KOs). At the time, Öner was pursuing a possible deal with the wily veteran himself, Don King, who Öner felt would help him bring along Gamboa, and more importantly Arena's heavyweight prospect Odlanier Solis (11-0, 7KOs).
According to sources close to the negotiations, the potential Arena-King deal, where King would take over Shaw's role as the American-based promoter, was close to being finalized. As they always say in boxing - nothing is guaranteed. BoxingScene.com has since learned that a few issues came up and talks hit a brick wall. And although there are those who still feel the deal with King will be made, the latest word coming out of Germany is that Öner is also talking to Golden Boy Promotions.
Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy, confirmed the Arena Box whispers to BoxingScene, and says Golden Boy is obviously interested in picking up a fighter like Gamboa. As to whether or not Golden Boy will actually land Gamboa, that's still up for debate.
"We have had several discussions and we are always interested in signing top talent, but ultimately I can't say for sure that Golden Boy will co-promote Gamboa," Schaefer said