On the undercard of the Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian 2 occasion, rising prospect Khalil Coe is about to face Manuel Gallegos (20-2-1, 17 KOs) on Saturday night time, November ninth, on the Wells Fargo Middle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, reside on DAZN.
Coe was initially scheduled to struggle Gallegos earlier this 12 months on the identical venue, however the bout was canceled on account of an damage suffered by Gallegos. Coe saved the struggle date and went on to battle a boxer who was attempting to bounce again from his first profession loss.
Again in July 2024, Kwame Ritter stepped in to switch Gallegos, as he entered the ring as an 11-win fighter, with 9 of these victories coming by the use of knockout. Ritter deliberate to get again on observe by upsetting Khalil Coe and successful a vacant title belt.
With 2:16 remaining within the 2nd spherical, Khalil Coe landed a giant proper hand and adopted it up with a few lefts to the physique. Coe proceeded to ground Ritter when he linked with a left-hand shot upstairs.
Ritter was capable of stand up, however he regarded like a person on borrowed time. Coe pressed ahead and hit Ritter with rights and lefts. As Coe continued to knock Ritter across the ring, the referee lastly stepped in and put a halt to the competition. With the victory, Khalil Coe gained the USWBC light-heavyweight title.
Now, the Jersey Metropolis, New Jersey native Khalil Coe (9-0-1, 7 KOs) feels he’s able to tackle the contenders within the light-heavyweight division. Coe has the WBO Interim champion Joshua Buatsi on his radar, however earlier than Coe can concentrate on Buatsi, he should first care for some unfinished enterprise on Saturday night time.
The final time Manuel Gallegos competed contained in the ring, he confronted the fast-rising 168-pound contender Diego Pacheco again in July 2023. Within the opening spherical, Gallegos received off to an honest begin as he did a very good job of urgent ahead whereas altering ranges with the jab.
Pacheco started to attach along with his jab and the lead proper hand within the 2nd spherical. Late within the fourth spherical, Pacheco landed a vicious left to the physique that despatched Gallegos all the way down to the canvas. Gallegos was capable of stand up, however the contest was stopped seconds later when Pacheco landed a flurry of punches.
Now, after 16 months of inactivity, Manuel Gallegos will make his return to the ring as a light-heavyweight and try to tug off the upset in opposition to a well-rounded prospect. Gallegos is appreciative of the chance, and he vows to not let it go to waste.
Khalil “Massive Steppa” Coe is a technically sound blue-chip prospect who has that potent mixture of velocity and energy. Coe feels he’s able to face high 15 expertise, however earlier than he goes to the subsequent stage, he has to go the Gallegos take a look at on Saturday night time.
Within the expertise class Coe has the sting, however so far as bodily attributes, the 6 foot 3 inch Manuel Gallegos can have the peak and attain benefits over the 5 foot 10 inch Coe. Manuel Gallegos is an effective take a look at for Khalil Coe as a result of he’s an aggressive stress fighter, and on struggle night time we are going to see how good Coe is with reference to preventing off the again foot.
The 28-year-old Khalil Coe is the kind of fighter who doesn’t discuss a whole lot of trash as a result of he prefers to let his palms do the speaking. On Saturday night time, Coe needs to make a press release as he predicts the struggle will encompass fireworks and a whole lot of ache.