MANILA, Philippines – Undefeated Cuban boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa does not think former lightweight champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios has what it takes to defeat Filipino ring icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

“I don’t think he is at the same level as Pacquiao,” Gamboa said in an interview with Fight Hub. 

Gamboa and Rios nearly fought last year, before the Cuban pulled out of the fight due to a contract dispute with Top Rank. Gamboa believes that had their match pushed through, it would be him who is in line for a date with the “Pacman” instead of Rios.

“If he (Rios) would have fought me, he would not have the opportunity. It would have been me instead,” Gamboa said. “If the fight gets made, it is only because of business.”

Gamboa, who is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Filipino veteran Michael Farenas last December, said he is open to fighting Rios this year especially after the Mexican brawler talked trash about him.

“Yes, I would like to fight Brandon Rios because I didn’t like a lot of things he was saying,” Gamboa said. “I never responded to any of his talking because I do my talking inside the ring, by being victorious.”

In a recent interview, Rios said he is willing to take on all comers, including Gamboa.

“Gamboa is a b****. I saw his last fight (against Farenas), and if I would have hit him like that, I would have knocked his a** out,” Rios said.