Newspaper Says Gamboa Linked to “East Coast BALCO”

Newspaper Says – Boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa’s name popped up in a story running in the Miami New Times which focused on Anthony Bosch, the former head of a anti-aging clinic called Biogenesis, which closed last month.

The story says that the Times came to possess Biogenesis records, including a spreadsheet which lists the names of standout professional athletes, like the NY Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, SF Giants OF Melky Cabrera and Gamboa. The clinic peddled HGH, testosterone and anabolic steroids, apparently, and the writer Tim Elfrink spoke to six customers and two ex employees to get a sense of what was occurring at Biogenesis. The names of Bosch and his father, Dr. Pedro Bosch, popped up in the news in 2009, when baseballer Manny Ramirez was suspended for PED usage. The DEA was then looking at the Bosch’s for providing Ramirez with HCG, a hormone used in some cases to restore or maintain testicular size, which can be affected by PED use. They were not charged with a crime at that time.

The Times story refers to Biogenesis as an “East Coast version of BALCO,” the chemistry lab/PED warehouse-shop which was run by the notorious Victor Conte, who is today involved with strength, conditioning and supplement advice to high level pro boxers, including Nonito Donaire.

In notebooks believed to be written by Bosch, it is indicated that Gamboa was given HGH, testosterone cream and substance called IGF-1, which is used to aid in building muscle mass and strength. HGH and IGF are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and use of testosterone would need to be signed off on by an athletic commission, and prescribed by a physician.

An April 2012 fight between Gamboa (22-0, 16 KOs) and Brandon Rios, which was cancelled when Gamboa had a falling out with then promoter Top Rank, is referenced in the Times article. Bosch seemingly wrote that “clean-up” would need to begin on Dec. 1–presumably Dec. 1, 2011–for Gamboa. “Clean up” is not defined, but the implication is clear.

The Times tried to reach Gamboa through his trainer, but the fighter didn’t respond.

Gamboa, after parting with Top Rank, is now promoted by rapper 50 Cents’ SMS Promotions. Gamboa is the top fighter signed to 50, who also promotes Billy Dib and Celestino Caballero. The 31 year old Cuban defector last fought on Dec. 8, and scored a UD12 win over Michael Farenas. It has been rumored that a deal for his next fight could be near. Apparently, Tim Bradley shot down a fight with Gamboa. The Cuban has expressed interest in fighting Adrien Broner.

Another Florida PED peddling situation snared a boxer, back in 2007. Reports linked heavyweight Jameel McCline to Signature Pharmacy in Orlando. An AP story from 2007 said McCline received steroids, HGH and testosterone from Infinity Longevity, a Signature subsidiary. Baseball players were outed when a Palm Beach “Rejuvenation Center” were busted, also in 2007, so it seems like there is something of a cluster of cases of this ilk in Florida. A common theme in athletes named in the Bosch situation is they have ties to the Miami area. Gamboa lives in Miami.

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