Galle & Sanchez hit the road

Story & photos by Chris Cozzone

With two hometown fight cards, back-to-back this weekend, you’d think there’d be no need for two Albuquerque area fighters leave town.

But come Wednesday morning, two local pugs will hit the road for Phoenix, where they will weigh in for a black-tie card held Thursday night at the Biltmore Resort.

In separate four-rounders, Rio Rancho’s Lucas “The Ghost” Galle (4-1) and Albuquerque’s Alan “El Alacran” Sanchez (1-0, 1 KO) will look for their next win before returning home on Friday.

Both Galle and Sanchez train at the T.U.F.F. gym under Bernie Sanchez, just a stone’s throw from the Sanchez III gym, on the southern side of the wall separating compounds and homes.

On Thursday, Galle will take on 21-fight veteran Jaime Javier Barahona, of Guadalupe, Ariz., who, at 6-15 (5 KOs), will seek to put an end to his five-bout losing streak.

“I don’t know much about this guy,” says the Rio Rancho southpaw. “He’s got a losing record but has more experience, so I’m sure it’ll be good for me.”

In five bouts, Galle’s only hiccup was his pro debut—a controversial majority decision loss to Santa Fe’s Gabe Montoya.

“I’d like a rematch against Montoya,” says Galle. “But it’s good to know that everyone thought it was a bad decision.

“Until that happens, I just want to keep busy fighting. I know it’ll take time to be a name fighter, but that’s what I’m working for.”

Galle’s teammate, Sanchez, will be taking on Tucson’s Isaac Hidalgo, who just turned pro on April 18, winning a decision over fellow debuter Carlos Luque.

“I don’t know anything about my opponent, but I’m ready for anyone,” says Sanchez.

“I’m just having a good time fighting as a pro. It’s different than the amateurs—there are more people in the audience, and they’re louder.

As an amateur, the fast-hitting featherweight racked up a 48-8 record. In February, he turned pro, stopping Derek Lopez (0-2) in three rounds.

On the rest of the Phoenix card:

• In the main event, Phoenix heavyweight Erick Vega (7-2-1, 5 KOs) goes six with J.J. McAllister (7-3, 6 KOs), of Long Beach, Calif.
• Santa Fe’s Clara De La Torre (1-4, 1 KO) will seek to put an end to a four-bout losing streak in a four-round featherweight bout against debuter Annett Adreano.
• Lightweight Sharif Bogere (2-0, 2 KOs), of Las Vegas, Nev., will go four with Eddie Brooks (7-1, 3 KOs), of Phoenix.

Thursday night’s card is promoted by Zeferino Entertainment.