Top Rank promoter Bob Arum believes Filipino featherweight Michael Farenas has a chance against Cuba’s flashy and undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa when they clash in a ten round bout on the blockbuster undercard of Pacquiao-Marquez IV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on December 9, Manila Time.
In a telephone conversation with the Manila Standard, the astute promoter said Gamboa “hasn’t fought in over a year and Farenas can take advantage of that.”
Gamboa’s last fight was on September 10, 2011 when he won an eight round technical decision over Mexico’s Daniel Ponce De Leon after Ponce De Leon suffered a laceration of the forehead following an accidental clash of heads and the fight had to go to the scorecards with Gamboa winning handily.
Prior to that the talented Cuban scored a twelve round unanimous decision over Orlando Salido on September 11, 2010 before Salido went on to win the WBO featherweight crown with a stunning 8th round TKO over Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez and pounded him in a rematch to win by a 10th round TKO on March 10 this year.
Farenas, a protégé of former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa is a southpaw who can punch.
Nicknamed “Hammer Fist” the Filipino has
a record of 34-3-4 with 26 knockouts.
In his last fight on July 16 this year against Takashi Uchiyama for the WBA super featherweight title the bout ended in a technical draw in the third round following a clash of heads.
Prior to that Farenas won a ten round split decision over Jason Mitsuyama on April 21 this year after scoring an eight round split decision over fancied Fernando Beltran.
Farenas is no mean fighter
when he is in shape and on his game and scored an eight round majority decision over Daniel Attah on May 21, 2011.
His most impressive win was a 1st round knockout of Walter Estrada of Colombia at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on May 1, 2009.
Penalosa has long kept his faith in Farenas and believes all he needs is a chance to prove his worth against some of the best fighters in the featherweight division.
