Will Khalil Coe earn his redemption, or will Manuel Gallegos make it two-for-two against the once-celebrated prospect from New Jersey?
The two fighters successfully overcame their last hurdle before their rematch, with both checking in at 173lbs on Thursday, ahead of their Friday clash at Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, Mexico. Both fighters were heavier for their first fight, which Gallegos won by ninth-round stoppage in November. Gallegos came in at 174 for that fight, while Coe was 175 even.
Coe, 9-1-1 (7 KOs), said after the weigh-in that he had made significant adjustments to his camp, which included adding popular Philadelphia based trainer Rashiem "Rell" Jefferson to his team.
“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,” said the 28-year-old from Jersey City, New Jersey.
“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.”
The 27-year-old Gallegos, 21-2-1 (18 KOs), of Los Mochis, Mexico says that while the fight isn’t taking place in his hometown, he expects to have the added motivation of his Mexican fans cheering him on.
“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,” said Gallegos, who is looking for his second straight win since his fourth round stoppage loss to Diego Pacheco in July of 2023.
“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.”
Also on the card, WBA interim 122lbs champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev will have his final pit stop before his long-awaited showdown with undisputed champion Naoya Inoue. Akhmadaliev, 13-1 (10 KOs), weighed in at the division limit of 122lbs for his ten-round non-title bout with Luis Castillo, 31-6 (21 KOs), a career bantamweight and junior bantamweight, who was 120lbs.
“I’m really happy to be here in Guadalajara and I’m ready to fight. Uzbek power is coming,” said Akhmadaliev, keeping it brief.
Castillo, 29, of Jiqulipilco, Mexico, says he was unfazed by Akhmadaliev, despite not having been in the ring in a year and a half.
“I’ve not been resting since my last fight. I may not have had official fights, but I’ve been working hard in the gym and on my boxing. I have no fear in facing Akhmadaliev,” said Castillo.
Complete weigh-in results
Light heavyweight - 10 rounds
Manuel Gallegos (174lbs) vs Khalil Coe (173lbs)
Junior welterweight - 10 rounds
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (141lbs) vs. Manuel Medina (141lbs)
Junior featherweight - 10 rounds
Murodjon Akhmadaliev (122lbs) vs. Luis Castillo (120lbs)
Junior bantamweight - 10 rounds
Adrian Curiel (119lbs) vs. Johan Rubio (115lbs)