Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez represents Belize in Boxing versus Mexico

Friday night’s exhibition boxing matches are gaining momentum so get ready to rumble. As the local boxers train for the anticipated event, the last minute details are being put in place at the Biltmore. Channel Five will be broadcasting the boxing revival after our evening news package and earlier today News Five’s Jose Sanchez caught up with one of the hopefuls, Sherman Galvez, also known as “The Hook Up.”

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

One of Belize’s hopes at the upcoming Belize /Mexico boxing match is ‘The Hook Up,’ twenty seven year old Sherman Galvez. The Hook Up stands at five feet seven inches and weighs one hundred and fifty pounds.

Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez, Boxer

SHerman "Hook Up" Galvez

“I da di most experienced in the gym. They had these guys; Moses Sulph, Harris Kill, they were more experienced than me, but they give it up. Dehn guys got to old and them thing dehn.”

Jose Sanchez

“Now tell me about the training your doing for this match up with the Mexicans.”

Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez

“Well I’ve been training for like the past eight months, but nothing too serious; just keep ina shape and dehn thing deh. And now eventually this fight come up and like three weeks preparation—totally like three weeks. I feel like I can square off good.”

Jose Sanchez

“What are your strong points in the ring?”

Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez

“My strong points: left hook, right cross—my two strongest punch.”

While the Hookup contemplates the Friday night fight, the National Sports Council Executive Director was putting the final touches on the ring inside the Biltmore.

Anthony Michael, Executive Director, National Sports Council

Anthony Michael

“We got the donation of the ring from Mister Gustavo Torres in San Ignacio. He use to be a promoter—a hard supporter of the boxing association—and he indicated to us that he will be donating the ring free of cost.”

Jose Sanchez

“It seems to me that the biggest battle or fight within boxing is not with opponents but rather to keep the sport alive. Is it going to be kept alive after this? What assurances?”

Anthony Michael

“Certainly, we have partnered with Biltmore Hotel. When I approached Biltmore Hotel in terms of the promotion of sports in terms of providing a healthier lifestyle for Belize, they overwhelmingly said yes, with absolutely no doubt. I met with the coordinators, the managers and so forth. They have been here all day with me today assisting and helping and we want to do a boxing every three months.”

Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez

“The first time primary school days, I was about fourteen. Den deh time dah Miss Gill dah mi the trainer—used to be a lady trainer. But anyways it start from there. Eventually, I fight other guys, like the sport and decided to stay in and take it serious. For a while, had couple fights. About two loss when I first begin and afterwards win down the line. I’m self -employed. I do deliveries at the Port. So if you for instance come for a barrel or so, you noh have no transportation, I heng out deh, I have my pickup, you hail me and I get the job done.”

Jose Sanchez

“So you hard work out deh dah port?”

Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez

“Yeah.”

Jose Sanchez

“Monday to Friday?”

Sherman “Hook Up” Galvez

“Monday to Friday.”

Less than twenty four hours from fight time and the four ropes are taut for ‘pound for pound’ action. Belize takes the red corner and Mexico takes the blue.  The outcome is unpredictable as the local boys have no knowledge of their opponents. Will it be the lack of boxing matches that seal their fate or will victory be on account of the hunger that has kept them waiting for so long in the belly of the City Center’s dungeon? Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.