Gibson’s move to Las Vegas looks every bit a wise one

BOXING NOTEBOOK ESPN card at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas against Antonio Orozco in a 10-round junior welterweight bout.

The first bell is scheduled for 4 p.m. at The Chelsea, with the main card airing live at 6 on ESPN Deportes. The fights also will be shown on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. on tape delay. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on ticketmaster.com.

“I jumped on that opportunity quick,” said Gibson, 27, of competing on Golden Boy Promotions’ second edition of a new boxing series with ESPN. “I know I want to fight for a world title, and I want to fight in bigger fights. The last guy I beat gave me a lot of confidence that I belong in the sport.”

Gibson (16-0-1, seven knockouts) is making a big jump in competition against Orozco (25-0, 16 KOs), who was once a mandatory challenger for unified 140-pound titlist Terence Crawford.

Gibson might be catching Orozco at the right time. Orozco, 29, was preparing to fight Fidel Maldonado Jr. in December, but the bout was canceled during fight week because Orozco couldn’t make weight. He ended up in the hospital for dehydration.

Both fighters made weight Friday, with Gibson weighing 139.4 pounds and Orozco 139.6 pounds.

“For me, this fight is very important,” Orozco said.

“I did not take it lightly, as I know it is against KeAndre Gibson, a good fighter in this division. Gibson and I have fought on the same cards before. He’s a tremendous fighter, a quick guy and real good counterpuncher. Our styles are going to give fans a great fight.

“I have a sports nutritionist with me in this training camp, and I’m ready to come back better than ever.”

Gibson is expecting the best Orozco on Saturday, and views the winner as the next contender to face Crawford.

“This is my time,” said Gibson, who trains at Roy Jones Jr. Fight Academy. “I’m peaking. I’m 27 years old. I’m finally hitting that grown-man stage. This is the time to make a run. Can’t keep waiting.”