Yesner Talavera is not overlooking Yuriorkis Gamboa’s decorated résumé, but he also is not allowing it to intimidate him ahead of their bare-knuckle showdown.
Talavera will meet the former Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time boxing world champion at BKB 58 on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Miami. During the event’s media scrum, the Nicaraguan veteran made it clear that he views the bout as an opportunity to change the course of his career.
Through his translator, Talavera said Gamboa has already accomplished nearly everything possible in traditional boxing. Talavera, however, believes he enters the matchup with something his opponent may no longer possess: hunger.
“He’s coming after the title,” the translator said. “He plans to shock the world Saturday night. He wants to become a major player in BKB and eventually become a world champion.”
Talavera has spent approximately three months preparing for his bare-knuckle debut at Plant City Boxing Gym. His training included hitting the heavy bag and working the mitts without gloves or hand wraps, along with specialized defensive preparation for the smaller margin for error in bare-knuckle competition.
According to his translator, Talavera never hesitated when offered Gamboa as his first BKB opponent. He did not request a less accomplished fighter or a transitional matchup before facing one of the most recognizable Cuban boxers of his generation.
“He never said no, and he never asked to fight somebody else first,” the translator said. “He wanted to go directly into this matchup.”
The Miami crowd is expected to feature a strong Cuban contingent supporting Gamboa, but Talavera welcomes the potentially hostile atmosphere. He acknowledged Gamboa as a fighter he grew up watching and respects as a legend, though that admiration will end once the two enter the Trigon.
Talavera has frequently competed as the B-side throughout his career. Now, he believes BKB has provided the opportunity he has been waiting for.
“He asked God for an opportunity like this,” the translator said. “He is very thankful to BKB for giving him the chance to shine. He is not going to miss this opportunity.”
Talavera and Gamboa bring more than 40 professional fights apiece into BKB 58. For Talavera, the bout represents more than a high-profile debut. It is a chance to defeat a legend, establish himself in bare-knuckle boxing and begin a run toward a BKB world championship.