Matthew Griego headlines Primetime Promotions first card

After two years away from the ring, Matthew Griego is ready to make his return—and he plans to make the most of what could be his final fight in Albuquerque.

Griego, 15-,0 will headline Prime Time Promotions’ October 3 fight card, taking on veteran Wilmer Soto, who enters the main event with a record of 24-24-2.

Prime Time Promotions held a press conference Wednesday night at the Office Bar and Grill, officially kicking off the promotion’s buildup to the October 3 event.

Griego will return at 118 pounds, looking to make one final push toward the top during the latter stages of his career. He has also signed with an out-of-state promoter, making the October 3 bout potentially his final appearance in an Albuquerque ring.

The two-year layoff gave Griego an opportunity to step away from boxing and focus on another important part of his life—his faith.

“The time off helped me get closer to God, as well as put me on the path to where I’m at now. I have had fights fall through in the past. One was for a world title in Japan, but I had hurt my hand after the last fight against Mendoza. But things happen for a reason, and here we are now,” Griego said.

Now, Griego believes the time is right to make another run at the top.

Lovato and Morales Set for Rematch

The card will also feature a rematch between Amanda Lovato and Randee Lynn Morales.

The two fighters previously met in a bout that Lovato originally won, but the result was later changed to a no contest because one round was fought for three minutes instead of the two-minute rounds used in women’s professional boxing.

The rematch gives both fighters an opportunity to settle the matter in the ring.

“I brag her the first time and I should have the win on my record, but I’ll just get it done when we fight again.” Stated Lovato

Achesah and McLean Meet at 175 Pounds

Another intriguing matchup will see Isaiah Achesah take on the always-tough Bryant McLean at 175 pounds.

Achesah normally competes around 190 pounds, the cruiserweight limit, but will make the move down to 175 for this bout.

McLean will be moving in the opposite direction. Coming off a bout with Elijah Martinez at 154 pounds, McLean will jump up to 175 to face Achesah.

When asked about making the move up in weight, McLean said his willingness to accept challenges is part of who he is as a fighter.

“I fight anybody at any time. Yes, I’ll be going up in weight, but I’m a taller person, which I can handle the weight. I know I fought at 154 in my last fight, but anytime they offer me a fight, I just can’t turn them down because I love to fight,” McLean said.

Achesah echoed that same willingness to stay active.

“I just fight who I can fight. I was originally going to fight a cruiserweight, but this fight came about, so I decided to take it to make sure I stay busy,” Achesah said.

Medina Calls Out Roybal’s Absence

One fighter who is particularly eager to get into the ring is Kaleb Medina, who will face George Roybal.

The matchup carries an added layer of tension because Medina and Roybal train at the same gym, Jack Candelaria.

Medina was particularly critical of Roybal’s absence from Wednesday night’s press conference, calling it unprofessional and questioning whether Roybal will show up for the fight.

“It’s his hometown, and he’s very unprofessional. When you can’t show up to a press conference for our fight, let’s hope he does show up to the fight. He should have been here. Again, that’s unprofessional. I was here, and he wasn’t. So now I’ll just take care of business in the ring. Hopefully he’ll be there,” Medina said.

The absence of Roybal only added fuel to the matchup, with Medina making it clear that he is ready to settle the issue inside the ring.

With Griego’s return headlining the event, and the Lovato-Morales, Achesah-McLean and Medina-Roybal matchups adding their own storylines, Prime Time Promotions continues to build an intriguing October 3 card.

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