RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) – For the third time this month, a professional fight card is coming to New Mexico. Triller Fight Club and Tapia Promotions are bringing “Tapia Fight Night” to the Rio Rancho events center on Friday, February 24.
In total, nine bouts are scheduled with six coming on the main card. Seven of the fights feature at least one New Mexican, with ten of the 18 fighters representing the Land of Enchantment.
Main Event
Jason Sanchez (15-3) vs Rafael Reyes (20-15) – 126, 10 rounds
Co-Feature
Nico Hernandez (9-0) vs Gilberto Mendoza (19-13) – 112, 8 rounds
Co-Feature
Josh Torres (25-7-2) vs Donovan Estrella (13-2) -147, 8 rounds
Main Card
Abel Mendoza (33-0) vs Ernesto Guerrero (34-36) – 134, 8 rounds
Jose Sanchez (11-3-1) vs Reggie Harris (7-2) – 152, 6 rounds
Preliminary Card
Nicco Tapia vs Christopher Lucero – 155, 3 rounds (amateur fight)
Jordanne Garcia (4-1) vs Sonya Dierfling (5-3) – 165, 4 rounds
Lorenzo Benavidez (3-5) vs Jordan Gregory (2-3) – 4 rounds
Andres Rey (debut) vs Jesus Marin (0-1) – 130, 4 rounds
The night is headlined by Albuquerque native Jason Sanchez as he takes on Chihuahua, Mexico native, and Clovis, NM fighter Rafael Reyes. It is a late change of opponent for Sanchez, who was originally supposed to fight Luis Castillo Jr., but Sanchez remains confident in his abilities inside the ring.
“You know I’m going to go in there and feel him out the first few rounds and if I can get the knockout and finish him fast or whatever,” said Sanchez. “It’d be nice to get some rounds in and hopefully get the knockout, but whatever comes through.”
Jason’s brother, Jose “Guero,” is also on the card taking on Detroit native Reggie Harris. They are fighting in the 152-pound division, however, they each came in overweight. Sanchez weighed in at 153.6 pounds and Harris weighed in at 158.4 pounds. Even with the difference, the fighters have agreed to go on. “I mean it happens,” said Jose, “We both came in over, I mean it’s boxing. I’m still ready.”
The brothers train together at their family-owned gym. Their father, Pepe, has been heavily involved throughout their careers and will be in the corner for both fights.
“For all my life, I’ve been in the corner when they were amateurs and now as professionals, I’ll be in the corner,” he said. “I also want Guero to finish his fight so he can be in the corner for Jason too. All of our family works together.”
Doors open to the public at 4 p.m. and amateur fights begin at 5 p.m. The preliminary card is slated to start at 6 p.m. with the main card following at 8 p.m.
