LATER this evening, in Guadalajara, Manuel Gallegos and Khalil Coe meet in a rematch that will serve to determine the trajectories of their respective careers. The pair weighed in last night (see full details below) and had a few choice words ahead of the make-or-break rematch.
“I really wanted this rematch as I think it is really important for us to show very clearly what we are able to do, so we’re delighted that we have this opportunity once again and I believe we’re going to show what we are made of,” said Gallegos, who enters the rematch as an underdog with US bookmakers.
“I’m really happy that the rematch is in Mexico, I’ll have the support of the people here. It’s not taking place in Sinaloa, but I’m sure Guadalajara will be behind me.
“I’m really motivated to get my hand raised and the fact that we have Mexico behind me means we’ll be giving even more to go and get the victory.”
Despite being a noted puncher, Gallegos, 21-2-1 (18 KOs), had been realistically drafted in as a gut-check test for Coe, 9-1-1 (7 KOs), to elevate from prospect to contender and fulfil the promise that began in the amateurs.
An early career draw represented the first peal of alarm bells around ‘Big Steppa’, who was dropped multiple times to head and body by Gallegos, before being stopped in round nine.
Revealing health problems and hospitalisations had marred his preparations for the first bout, Coe and his team will hope that rest, recuperation and a restructured camp will provide the spark needed to make amends in part two.
“I want to thank Manuel Gallegos for accepting the rematch and giving me the opportunity to win the belt back. We have made adjustments in camp, and I feel strong, I feel amazing honestly and I can’t wait to show the difference on Friday night,” said Coe.
“Fighting in Mexico is fuel to me, I’ve been traveling all over the world in my career and fighting in different countries, and Friday will be no different. This is a must-win for me. He’s a great opponent and in order for me to move forward I have to have that notch on my belt and beat the best opponents.”
Boxing News Online broke down some of the factors to keep an eye on in this rematch bout, predicting the outcome here.
Full weights for Manuel Gallegos vs. Khalil Coe 2
10 x 3 mins USWBC Light-Heavyweight title
MANUEL GALLEGOS (173lbs) vs. KHALIL COE (173lbs)
10 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
GABRIEL GOLLAZ VALENZUELA (141lbs) vs. MANUEL MEDINA (141lbs)
10 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
MURODJON AKHMADALIEV (122lbs) vs. LUIS CASTILLO (120lbs)
10 x 3 mins Super-Flyweight contest
ADRIAN CURIEL (119lbs) vs. JOHAN RUBIO (115lbs)
