Former champions Yuriorkis Gamboa and Roman “Rocky” Martínez will battle in a ten-round lightweight attraction while Ladarius “Memphis” Miller meets former champion Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales in another ten-round lightweight showdown live on Showtime on Saturday, July 27th from Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. The main event that night has Baltimore native Gervonta “Tank” Davis defending his WBA 130-pound super championship in a homecoming against Ricardo “Científico” Núñez.
“Saturday, July 27 is going to be something special for the city of Baltimore,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “While we know what the main event brings, both bouts leading up to it have high stakes written all over them as well. Any time you put former world champions and young hungry prospects in the ring, you know these fighters will be looking to get the win and ultimately put themselves in position for a shot at a title. I’m anticipating non-stop action in these bouts from the first bell to the end.”
A former titleholder at 126 and 130 pounds, Gamboa (29-2, 17 KOs) has won his last three fights, including a decision over Jason Sosa. His last time out, he dropped and defeated Miguel Beltran Jr. by unanimous decision. An Olympic gold medalist for his native Cuba, Gamboa fights out of Miami and will look to get another world title shot with a victory on July 27th.
“I’m in a great position in my career and I’m very happy to be back on this big stage again,” said Gamboa. “Rocky Martinez is a very tough and formidable opponent and we will make this a great fight for the fans. I know that I will make it past this challenge and on to more marquee opportunities. I’m looking at facing Gervonta Davis and becoming world champion again.”
Always in exciting and memorable fights, Martinez (30-3-3, 18 KOs) returned to the ring in March by knocking out William Gonzalez. Fighting out of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Martinez is a three-time 130-pound title holder who has faced elite fighters such as Mikey Garcia and Vasiliy Lomachenko throughout a career that has also seen him defeat the likes of Orlando Salido and Diego Magdaleno. "I'm happy for this opportunity and to have this chance to be near a world title fight again,” said Martinez. “I'm training to win against a good fighter in Yuriorkis Gamboa. It's a fight that will define my future and I am fully prepared to become world champion again, and this time in another weight division."
The 25-year-old Miller (19-1, 6 KOs) has won ten fights in a row, including a victory over current world title holder Jamel Herring, as he looks to earn a world title fight. Originally from Memphis and now living in Las Vegas, Miller began 2019 with a first-round knockout over Daulis Prescott in February and now has his sights set on earning a world title fight.
“I’m coming to make a statement on July 27th,” said Miller. “That’s the mindset I’ve been training for. I’m facing a former world champion and a win can solidify my name in the 135-pound division. I’ve been working hard and I know that Corrales won’t bring anything that I’m not prepared for. I’m excited to have this opportunity, take advantage of it and get one step closer to a world championship.”
Representing his native Panamá, Corrales (23-2, 9 KOs) won the WBA 130-pound super championship by knocking out Takashi Uchiyama in Japan in 2016, before defeating him by decision in the rematch. The 27-year-old returned to the ring in April to knock out Onalvi Sierra in two rounds.
“I’m very excited to have this opportunity and grateful that I have another chance to fight at the highest level,” said Corrales. “Miller is a very skillful boxer and I respect his abilities. I’m going to test him and see if he can fight off of his back foot. I’m going to prepare so that I have all the tools to get the victory on July 27th.”
