Yuriorkis Gamboa Skips Rios Presser, Rumored to Be Signed with Floyd Mayweather

Yuriorkis Gamboa was not present at a press conference in Miami to announce his scheduled April 14 fight with undefeated lightweight (135 lbs.) Mexican knockout artist Brandon Rios (29-0-1, 22 KO).

Gamboa (21-0, 16 KO), an undefeated former WBA and IBF featherweight (126 lbs) world champion, was set to make his lightweight debut against Rios on HBO.

Rumors have popped up that undefeated boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather (42-0, 26 KO) has signed Gamboa to his Mayweather Promotions.

Mayweather gave praise to Gamboa and WBO super featherweight (130 lbs) world champ Adrien Broner (23-0, 19 KO) a few days ago during his press tour while promoting his upcoming May 5 battle against Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30 KO).

Mayweather said he'd love to "pass the torch" to either fighter. Gamboa is currently signed to Top Rank Promotions, Mayweather's former promoter.

Top Rank and Mayweather have a highly-publicized volatile relationship that resulted in Mayweather buying out his contract to become a free agent.

If Mayweather signs Gamboa, his close relationship with Golden Boy would allow him to pit Gamboa against Golden Boy promoted fighter Broner.

The rising Broner is building a huge following from his recent HBO fights. The legality of Mayweather signing Gamboa is questionable unless Mayweather can buy out Gamboa's contract.

Until word is confirmed, the reason behind Gamboa's absence at the press conference with Rios is unknown, as any rumors of signing with Mayweather Promotions are just speculation.