JCC Jr. and Gamboa’s Day in L.A.

Bob Arum’s “Latin Fury 10” on July 25

On a picture-perfect sunny day in L.A., threats of fury, fireworks, and heavy thunder were all promised in the upcoming “Latin Fury 10” lineup featuring a trio of unbeaten warriors: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Yuriorkis Gamboa and Urbano Antillon will all be fighting on July 25 in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico presented by Top Rank in association with Zanfer Promotions and Arena-Box Promotion.

At yesterday’s press conference at the El Paseo Inn at the historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, Top Rank President Bob Arum hosted a warm and friendly reception for these hot young talents that he proudly introduced to the standing-room only crowd.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (39-0-1, 29 KOs) will take on Jason Lehoullier (21-1-1, 18 KOs), 2004 Olympian and Gold Medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa (15-0, 13 KOs) will square off against Whyber Garcia (22-6, 15 KOs), and Urbano Antillon (26-0, 19 KOs) looks forward to battling in a ten-rounder against a not-yet-named foe. Giovanni Segura vs. Sony Boy Jaro will also be on the card during the PPV broadcast.

Chavez Jr., Gamboa, and Antillon were all in attendance to talk about their upcoming event. The son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, JCC Jr. was humble and surprisingly much taller in person than you’d think. Arum jokingly noted to the crowd, “He’s getting better and better, and bigger and bigger. We’ll have to match him up with Kelly Pavlik soon!” Gamboa was there with Arena-Box Promotion’s Ahmet Oener and the slugger was stoic and polite during the day, later breaking into a grin when posing with his fellow “Latin Fury 10” boxers. And local Maywood prospect, Urbano Antillon’s enthusiastic personality came out when he took the mike to address the crowd.

Promoter Arum, who was joined with Top Rank’s Bill Caplan, Carl Moretti, and Ricardo Jimenez, spoke about his popular fight series, “The people love the ‘Latin Fury’ fights. The 9th one is on June 27th with Juan Manuel Lopez. And the 10th one is in the most fabulous place to spend your summer–a fantastic resort! But without the talent, we got nothing.”

Introducing the popular Chavez Jr., the Top Rank founder said of the heir to boxing’s royal bloodline, “When he fights, everyone stays at home in Mexico to watch him!”

“I’m going to show everyone that I’m ready to go to the next level. I know that this is an important part of my career,” said the undefeated Chavez Jr. “The opportunity for a world title is getting closer and closer. We made a big change in our camp and I’ll be training with Velocity (who trained Miguel Cotto); I’ll be physically better.” The super welter also teased that the resort is so beautiful that you’ll find all the fighters at la playa (the beach).

Cuban pugilist Gamboa has had his share of personal sacrifices to attain his prizefighting career. Arum reminded the crowd, “He sold his gold medal to have a birthday party for his daughter.” The veteran promoter also raved about the 2004 Olympian toughness, “If he gets knocked down, he gets back up and destroys his opponent!”

Answering questions about his fighting style, Gamboa explained, “That’s something that comes naturally and instinctual. The best way to intimidate a fighter is to jump on him at the first start. I can go 12 rounds at that pace, I attribute it to the shape I’m in. And I look forward to making a splash in Mexico.”

The featherweight added, “I can go up three divisions more. My last amateur fight was at 126 pounds. And at 135, I’m comfortable at this weight but I can see myself going to 130-135 pounds.”

Zanfer’s Fernando Beltran, co-promoter for next month’s event told the audience, “We have four sensational fights. Any one of them could be a main event.”

Taking the podium, lightweight Antillon stated, “I’m really excited to be on this tremendous card. It’s been a long road…Look for the knockout–I’m gonna come forward.”

After all the introductions, the three “Latin Fury 10” participants gathered together for some photo ops. The three young fighters happily accommodated all the requests before leaving to hopefully enjoy the rest of a summer day in L.A.!

The July 25 PPV telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT has a suggested retail price of 39.95. For more information, go to www.toprank.com

Photos by Michele Chong: “Latin Fury 10” fighters Chavez Jr., Gamboa and Antillon with Bob Arum and the Top Rank group