Mayweather vs. Cotto: Ring Kings Undercard Filled, Steve Forbes Replaces Gomez

It was reported a few days ago that veteran Alfonso Gomez (23-5-2, 12 KOs) would be dropping out of his fight with prospect Jesse Vargas (18-0, 9 KOs) due to back spasms.

With less than two weeks until the fight, a replacement fighter was needed and needed fast. 

It was thought that the replacement opponent would be a bum, a tomato can, a scab. An opponent just to stand in, get beat and get paid.

All seems well though as it was recently announced that former world champion and veteran boxer Steve Forbes (35-10, 11 KOs) would be the replacement for Gomez. 

Forbes, who at one point in his career held the IBF super featherweight belt, is a very capable fighter who is still able to challenge and perhaps even beat Vargas. He has faced names such as Andre Berto, Cornelius Bunderage, Karim Mayfield and Oscar De La Hoya throughout his career.

Although he's old and not the same fighter he was in the past, he's still crafty, active and able to give Vargas some problems. Forbes was last seen sparring with Canelo for his fight against Shane Mosley on the same night. 

While this is still an iffy fight, this is a pretty good one on less than two weeks notice. Also, Vargas is at a little disadvantage here because now he doesn't know what to expect. He was training to face Alfonso Gomez and now has to totally switch up his game plan.