Steven Gamache takes on the Big Apple - and Sanchez

By Tony Blasi, Staff Editor
Jul 15, 2011 12:00 am

Prizefighter Steven Gamache is seriously entertaining the idea of going a few rounds in Maine since pro boxing is no longer banned in the state, but he has bigger things on his mind for the moment — such as fighting in front of thousands of fans in New York City tonight.

Gamache (1-0) is elated that professional boxing is legal in his native state again, but his first priority is stepping into the ring at the Roseland Ballroom with contender Rogelio Sanchez (0-3) from Fort Wayne, Ind., in a four-round, junior middlweight bout on the undercard. Television coverage of Friday Night Fights begins at 9 p.m. on ESPN2. Junior middleweights Delvin Rodriquez and Pawel Wolak are the featured event.

This will be Gamache's second pro fight of his career. Gamache dropped Patrick Bozeman with a second-round knockout punch in Somersworth, N.H., in his pro debut last August.

"There's a lot of pressure," said Gamache in a telephone interview from New York City. "I am nervous and very excited. I sold $10,000 in tickets. It's crazy like that. They (promoters) want to see if you can sell tickets."

But you don't have to tell Gamache he's a long way from Lewiston even though he fought in the Big Apple as an amateur.

"I love the excitement of the city, but there's no place like home," said Gamache. "The good thing about New York City is I am getting a lot of top-level sparring."

"Steve has been sparring against quite a few champions," said Joe Gamache Sr., who is obviously proud of his grandson. "Steve has always been a hard worker."

It certainly helps to have a father who is a former world champion boxer as your trainer in the big city. Joey Gamache said his son's speed and knowledge of the sport should give him the edge against Sanchez.

"I know that he (Sanchez) is tough," said Joey Gamache. "He switches from lefty, righty. He throws body punches."

Besides training his son and working with other top-notch fighters, Joey Gamache is hoping to open his own boxing gym in New York City. "I have the investors in place," he said. "It is just a matter of finding a location."

While his dad is looking to step out on his own as a trainer, Steven Gamache said he is also in training at the dinner table and is hoping a new diet will give him an added edge in the ring.

"The biggest thing is my eating habits," said Steven. "I have been eating a lot better."

Steven knows a good punch accompanied with a healthy diet should go a long way to defeating Sanchez.

"From what I have heard, he switches from right to left. I have seen the tapes on him," Steven Gamache said. "I am looking forward to having a good night."

Boxing is back

When Gov. Paul LePage signed LD 889 into law on June 13 making professional boxing legal in Maine again, it was a victory for fight fans, the Gamache family and Rep. Matthew Peterson, D-Rumford, who introduced the bill in the spring. Mixed Martial Arts and pro boxing will now be governed by the newly renamed Combat Sports Authority of Maine, which will be headed by Bill Bouffard.

Pro boxing was banned in Maine when the law was changed in 2007 after the Athletic Commissioned was abolished due to budget cuts and lack of interest in the sport. That change prevented Steven Gamache from making his pro debut in Maine last year. He was forced to fight in New Hampshire.

According to Peterson, pro boxing will be legal in another 80 days, but it will take at least another six months before the Authority irons out new pro boxing rules.

Fight promoter Joe Gamache Sr. is considering holding a fight card in the spring as he keeps a close eye on the anemic economy.

"I am petrified of the economy," said Gamache Sr. "Let's hope it picks up in the spring. The last MMA show they had in Portland, they were charging $45 a ticket, and guess what, it sold out. Where are people getting all this money? To put on an all-pro show would be very costly."

Gamache Sr. said he would probably add several amateur bouts to go along with the pro matches to make the card cost effective. Of course, he wants to steer Steven Gamache back into the ring in Maine as soon as possible.

"I can't wait to watch Steven Gamache on Maine soil," said Peterson. "I am excited about that."

Peterson is not the only fight fan heralding boxing's return to the Pine Tree State.

"I think its great not only for myself, but for all the amateurs in Maine," said Steven Gamache. "I am looking to bring that back."

"He deserves to be in Maine," said Joey Gamache of his son. "It's where I got my start."

http://www.sunjournal.com/local-sports/story/1059837