New Mexico boxing will once again celebrate its rich history and the people who helped build the sport as the New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame announces its 2026 class of inductees. This year’s class features eight individuals whose names have become part of the New Mexico boxing story: Jake Valencia David Martinez Monica Lovato Jose Herrera Eric Holland Frankie Montano Humberto Lucero Tony Chavez The Hall of Fame will also present Esther Lopez with the Lifetime Achievement Awa

The New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame is set to announce its newest class of inductees this week, bringing another group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport in the Land of Enchantment into the spotlight. The annual announcement is always anticipated among New Mexico boxing fans, as the Hall of Fame recognizes fighters, trainers, officials, promoters, and other important figures who have helped shape the state’s rich boxing history. With another im

The New Mexico Boxing Hall of Fame is set to announce its newest class of inductees this week, bringing another group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport in the Land of Enchantment into the spotlight. The annual announcement is always anticipated among New Mexico boxing fans, as the Hall of Fame recognizes fighters, trainers, officials, promoters, and other important figures who have helped shape the state’s rich boxing history. With another im

New Mexico’s Andrés Rey stepped into the ring Friday night at Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas, looking to add another victory to his professional record. Rey battled Nelson Hampton over six rounds, but Hampton came away with the unanimous-decision victory after a competitive six-round matchup. The loss moves Rey’s professional record to 5-3, as the New Mexico fighter looks to regroup and get back into the win column in his next outing. Despite the setback, Rey continues to gain

Undefeated New Mexico standout Matthew Griego (15-0) will make his return to the ring October 3 at the Manuel Lujan Building in Albuquerque. Griego, who has been out of action for two years, will face experienced veteran Wilner Soto (24-24). Soto has competed in 48 professional bouts and brings plenty of ring experience into the matchup. For Griego, the fight will provide an opportunity to shake off the rust and get back into the rhythm of professional boxing as he begins the

Prime Time Promotions, headed by longtime New Mexico boxing enthusiast Jerry Padilla Jr., will make its promotional debut October 3 at the Manuel Lujan Building in Albuquerque. The inaugural event will be headlined by undefeated Albuquerque’s Matthew Griego, who owns a 15-0 professional record and will return to the ring for the first time in two years. Griego will face the always-tough and experienced Wilner Soto, who brings a 24-24 professional record. Soto’s extensive exp

After a two-year absence from the ring, undefeated New Mexico fighter Matthew Griego is ready to make his long-awaited return. Griego, who owns a perfect 15-0 professional record, will headline Primetime Promotions’ “Mass Ascension” card on October 3rd in Albuquerque, marking his first fight in two years. The undefeated Griego has remained a highly regarded name in the New Mexico boxing community, and his return gives local fans the opportunity to once again see the unbeaten

Boxing fans in New Mexico are in for an action-packed night on October 3, as Prime Time Promotions presents “Mass Ascension Rumble in the 505” at the Expo New Mexico Manuel Lujan Building. The event is scheduled to get underway at 6 p.m. and will feature a 10-fight card, highlighted by a matchup between Bryant McClain and Aiseah Achesah. McClain and Achesah will headline a night that promises plenty of action, with 6 additional featured fights scheduled on the card. The event

Prime Time Promotions is set to make its promotional debut, with its inaugural fight card slated for the first week of October at the Manuel Lujan Building in Albuquerque. Aiseah Achesah, who enters the bout with an undefeated 4-0 record, will take on the always-tough Bryant McClain in the main event. The fight is scheduled to take place at a catchweight of 175 pounds. The undercard is shaping up as well, with unbeaten Eduardo Piñon slated to step back into action. Also the p

David Finger A familiar face to New Mexico boxing fans was present for the 2026 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Former WBC Interim world champion Brian Mendoza, one of New Mexico’s best fighters in recent memory, was in attendance to honor this years class of inductees. More to come

New Mexico boxing fans could have plenty to look forward to as the sport heads into the fall and winter months. While several potential events remain in the discussion stage, there is growing activity surrounding some of the state’s top fighters and promoters. One of the biggest possibilities is a return home for Angelo Leo. Angelo Leo Could Return to Albuquerque To defend his title, the former world champion and current IBF featherweight champion could potentially return to

Amanda Lovato defeated Leanna Martinez by unanimous decision in a women’s flyweight bout Saturday night, headlining a card promoted by Donald Sanchez and DSP Promotions at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque. Lovato set the tone early, scoring a knockdown during the first minute of the opening round. From there, she appeared to control the majority of the fight and dictated much of the action. Martinez fought back gallantly and continued to compete throughout the bout, bu

Aiseah Achesah didn’t come to New Mexico to become a professional boxer. He came to the Land of Enchantment to work for the state in technology. At 32 years old, boxing is still a hobby for Achesah, but it has developed into something he wants to explore while he still has the opportunity. Achesah believes he has roughly a three- to four-year window to find out just how far he can take the sport. “I want to see how far it will take me in life,” Achesah said. That opportunity

Donald Sanchez Promotions comes to the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque on Saturday, August 8, with a six-bout professional boxing card featuring New Mexico’s rising prospects, returning local favorites, and two professional debuts. The evening will be headlined by Española’s Leanna Martinez (5-5), who faces Albuquerque’s Amanda Chavez (1-4-1) in a scheduled four-round bout at 111 pounds. Martinez has become one of New Mexico’s most active female professionals and looks to defen

Official statement from Yoruba Moreu jr. camp OFFICIAL STATEMENT Regarding August 8 – Indianapolis Unfortunately, we have to announce that Yoruba Moreu Jr. will no longer be competing on August 8 in Indianapolis. This is incredibly disappointing for our team. We committed to this event after being assured an opponent would be secured, even passing on an opportunity to fight on the same date in Albuquerque because we believed in the commitments that were made. Over the past se

This coming Saturday night at Embassy Suites in Albuquerque, Las Vegas, New Mexico’s Kaleb Medina will take the next step in his boxing career when he makes his professional debut against 16-year veteran John “Smiley” Herrera on the Donald Sanchez Promotions card. For Medina, boxing has been part of his life since he was eight years old. As his athletic career evolved, he moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where he pursued wrestling and continued to develop as a competitor. Af

Josh “Pitbull” Torres closed out Legacy Promotions’ “Summer Heat” card with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Jose Valenzuela Alvarado Friday night at Embassy Suites. Torres improved to 31-7 with two draws by sweeping the scorecards, 80-72 on all three judges’ cards. The Albuquerque fan favorite showcased his veteran poise against the unorthodox Alvarado, who entered the bout as a late replacement. While Torres controlled the action from start to finish,

While many professional fighters devote every waking hour to boxing, Clinton Chavez has built a life where the sport is only one part of a much larger picture. Chavez returns to the ring on July 31 at the Legacy Promotions card, but unlike many of his opponents, his daily routine extends far beyond the gym. “I have a lot in life which deters me from boxing full time,” Chavez said. Outside of the ring, Chavez operates a farm, embraces his Native American traditional beliefs, a

Years of perseverance have led Albuquerque’s own Cristian “El Puma” Cabral to the biggest opportunity of his professional career. This Friday night at Embassy Suites, Cabral (11-2-2, 5 KOs) will face undefeated Martin Sollano (5-0, 2 KOs) for the vacant UBO middleweight championship in the Legacy Promotions main event. Fighting in front of his hometown crowd, Cabral has the chance to capture the first professional title of his career. One of the biggest changes in Cabral’s pr