AFTER just 12 professional contests, it feels as though Khalil Coe is already in a must-win clash, as he ventures south of the border in pursuit of vengeance in a rematch with hard-hitting Mexican Manuel Gallegos.
Coe, 9-1-1 (7 KOs), turned professional with high expectations on his shoulders, famously being the only man to stop two-time Olympic gold medallist Julio Cesar La Cruz as an amateur.
Yet, the New Jersey-based light-heavyweight failed to impress in his first four fights and surprisingly drew with Aaron Casper in his second pro bout.
However, Coe then began to adjust to life in the paid ranks well and seemed to be improving in each fight across the last couple years. First scoring a second-round knockout of Kwame Ritter to pick up the WBC USA Light-Heavyweight title back in July, before an attempted first defence against Gallegos, 21-2-1 (18 KOs).
As is so often the case with overlooked Mexicans, ‘Big Steppa’ fell into the same timeless trap that many fighters have done before and that many will do in the future – becoming yet another huge favourite to be stopped by a Latino underdog.
Coe was unable to live with the power and pressure, dominated and dropped by ‘El Meno’ on four occasions, the last of which caused referee Eric Dali to wave off the contest, awarding the challenger both a career-best win and upset of the year contender.
Much to his credit, Coe has opted for an immediate rematch and now faces Gallegos in Guadalajara, Mexico. Offered a redemptive second attempt at claiming revenge and regaining some momentum, the one-sided nature of their first encounter means Coe must make some major changes if he is to level the scores.
MANUEL GALLEGOS VS. KHALIL COE II FIGHT PREDICTION
It is fairly obvious what Gallegos will bring to the table: relentless pressure, power in both hands and the typical fighting spirit possessed by the proud fighters of Mexico. The question is, can Coe can make the adjustments and negate these threats?
The bookmakers now have this fight as a pick ‘em and Boxing News feels similarly, but there are too many certainties with Gallegos and uncertainties with Coe to predict a win for the American.
As a result, we are going with Gallegos to get a repeat win, although it may come on points rather than by stoppage if Coe comes into the scrap with the improved gas tank, which he so desperately needs.
