Munoz-Reyes criticized
New Mexico Athletic Commission (NMAC) Chairman Alberto Leon is critical of the upcoming June 4 fight between Hector Munoz and Jorge Reyes. Munoz vs. Reyes will be the co-main on the Johnny Tapia vs. TBA bill at Hard Rock at Isleta, south of Albuquerque – a card that is being sanctioned by the Isleta Athletic Commission. When approached about whether such a fight would be approved by the NMAC, Chairman Leon answered that he does not believe so.
“I am only one member of the commission and do not speak for everyone,” Leon said today. “But it’s extremely unlikely that a fight between Munoz and Reyes would be approved – for many reasons. Based on Reyes’ record, weight discrepancy and multiple suspensions, not only would the fight not be approved, but Reyes would not be given a license.”
Munoz’ record is 18-4-1 (11 KOs), and he is coming off three straight losses to name fighters, while Reyes’ record is 21-29-3 (17 KOs). Reyes has not won a fight in 11 years and is 1-18-1 in his 20 bouts. Furthermore, he has fought most of his career in the low 120s, though has taken over-the-weight fights for a payday against 130- and 140-pounders. Munoz, on the other hand, is a solid welterweight whose fought as high as 154.
Reyes fought his last two fights in New Mexico – both on cards sanctioned by tribal commissions – losing first to longtime sparring partner Johnny Tapia by TKO and then going the eight-round distance with Frankie Archuleta.
“I doubt there is a single state commission that would license Mr. Reyes,” says Leon.
Worse than Reyes’ record and the weight difference between the Mexican fighter and Munoz, is the fact that Reyes has been suspended a shocking 14 times since 1996 by U.S. commissions, and at least once in Mexico.
New Mexico has been criticized for several mismatches over the last couple years for fights that have taken place on tribal land.
“We have absolutely no authority on tribal land,” says Leon, who is also an attorney. “It is 100% legal for them to form their own commissions and conduct fight cards. My wish is that the media and public would at least understand that these fights are not being overseen by the state commission.”
Leon says the NMAC has been brought in to sanction fights on several pueblos – including Acoma and Laguna, where a June 10 show is slated – but that offers to assist tribal commissions at Isleta have either been ignored or turned down. -- Chris Cozzone
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