Brigham City's Justo Sanchez couldn't spend a lot of time in the gym before his fight last year against Jorge Paez — he was logging 60-hour weeks at a steel mill.
Despite the overtime, Sanchez almost beat the former IBF featherweight champ. Paez eked out a split-decision victory in a Wendover bout Sanchez believes he won.
Now Sanchez, 27, is boxing full-time — a career change he hopes will be the difference Sunday in his lightweight rematch with Paez at the State Line Hotel and Casino parking terrace.
The popular Paez — a seasoned fighter from Mexico with a record of 70 wins, 14 losses, four draws with 46 knockouts — has been called pro boxing's "clown prince" because of his colorful ring entrances and style. Sanchez (13-12) is a self-proclaimed "small town guy" and Box Elder High School grad whose action-packed fights have made him a fan favorite at Wendover boxing events.
The rematch promises to be exciting, says Sanchez. He plans to take the fight right at the former champ in the day's main event.
"I will be the aggressor in this fight, and I look for a stoppage," Sanchez said.
Paez/Sanchez II will be one of several bouts Sunday with Utah ties.
Jeremy "The Mormon Meteor" Morrison (13-4, 9 KOs) will be matched against Leroy Owens, Las Vegas, in a 6-round super middleweight bout. Morrison has enjoyed success and a chunk of local support in recent Wendover events.
Salt Lake City's Armando Robles, who won his pro debut in Wendover last month, is scheduled to fight fellow super lightweight Tony Sanza of Napa Valley, Calif. Robles' younger brother, Arturo, will make his pro debut Sunday against Nelson Valles, Las Vegas, in a four-round super welterweight bout. The Robles brothers train out of the Fullmer Brothers Boxing Club in Riverton.
Gary Gomez, a cruiserweight from Salt Lake City, is slated to record his first pro bout against Californian Marcio Castillo. Marshall Martinez, an undefeated lightweight from Fontanta, Calif., will take on an opponent yet to be determined.
The bouts begin at noon. A ceremonial 10 count is planned before the first fight to honor the late Sen. Pete Suazo, a longtime Utah boxing advocate.
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com