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

For Josh “Pitbull” Torres, boxing has never been solely about championships or recognition. While victories are important, the veteran New Mexico fighter says his greatest purpose is using the sport to glorify God and inspire others. Torres returns to the ring on July 31 when he headlines Legacy Promotions’ Summer Heat card at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque against Mexico’s Alejandro Frias Rodriguez. The bout marks another main event for the promotion that has played the b

EL PASO, Texas — Katherine Lindenmuth added another championship belt to her résumé Saturday night, earning a hard-fought decision over hometown favorite Nayeli Rodriguez to capture the minor WIBA flyweight title at Ring Wars 23 at the El Paso County Coliseum. In a competitive bout from the opening bell, Lindenmuth relied on her experience, steady pressure, and accurate combinations to offset Rodriguez’s speed and activity. Rodriguez had moments of success, particularly when

EL PASO, Texas — D’Angelo Sanchez needed just one round to make a statement, overwhelming Austin Lewis en route to a first-round technical knockout. Sanchez came out aggressively and rocked Lewis early with a powerful right hand. Sensing his opponent was hurt, Sanchez pinned Lewis against the ropes and unleashed a relentless barrage that forced the referee to administer a standing eight count. Lewis beat the count, but he never fully recovered. Sanchez immediately resumed the

New Mexico Fighters Ready for King’s Promotions Card in El Paso New Mexico fighters will make the trip to El Paso, Texas, on Saturday night to compete on King’s Promotions’ Ring Wars 23 card at the El Paso County Coliseum. Among the featured bouts, Kat Lindenmuth (7-5-1) returns to the ring to face hometown favorite Nayeli Rodriguez (7-1) in an important flyweight showdown. The matchup pits Lindenmuth’s experience against one of El Paso’s rising stars. Also representing New M

D’Angelo Sanchez and Austin Lewis are set to meet once again on July 18 at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, as part of King’s Promotions’ Ring Wars card. The two first met earlier this year, with Sanchez earning a unanimous decision victory after a competitive four-round contest. While Sanchez believes he settled the score in convincing fashion, Lewis has made it clear he feels the rematch will tell a different story. Lewis recently took to social media, pointin

Undefeated prospect Yoruba Moreu (3-0) is set to return to the ring on August 8 after a brief layoff. The time away has allowed Moreu to reset and prepare for the next chapter of his young professional career. Now back in training, Moreu will look to pick up where he left off and continue building momentum as he pursues his fourth professional victory. Additional details on his opponent and the event are expected to be announced soon.

Nayeli Rodriguez (8-1) and Kathrine Lindenmuth (7-5-1) meet July 18 in El Paso, Texas, with the vacant UBO world title and Lindenmuth’s WIBA title on the line. —this time for titles—after a lengthy sparring session last year. Rodriguez, who will be fighting in front of her hometown fans, remembers the experience well and believes it helped both fighters sharpen their skills. “We sparred in 2025, 12 rounds. It was good sparring. I got to work on things I wanted to work on. It’

When the conversation turns to the greatest fighters ever produced by New Mexico, Austin “No Doubt” Trout deserves to be near the top of the list. The Las Cruces native built a career defined by elite skill, unwavering confidence, and a willingness to face boxing’s toughest challenges. While many champions carefully select opponents, Trout consistently chose the hardest road, taking on some of the biggest names of his generation. After compiling an outstanding amateur résumé,

Elijah Martinez Looking to Build Momentum Following Personal and Professional Breakthrough Bloomfield’s Elijah Martinez will return to the ring on July 18 in El Paso, Texas, when he faces undefeated hometown fighter Victor Aranda on the Ring Wars 23 card at the El Paso County Coliseum. For Martinez, the upcoming fight represents more than just another opportunity in the professional ranks. It is another step forward in a journey that has included overcoming personal adversity