He turned professional in July of 2000, scoring a 2nd round tko over Rafael Magana in Santa Fe, NM, and proceeded to run off a record of 6-0 with 3 kos to start his professional career before running into Mexico's Miguel "Conan" Torresillas and losing a close split decision over 6 rounds for his first defeat.
After an easy first round tko win in his next fight, Shawn was put into a matchup that pitted two of New Mexico's most promising prospects (at the time) in a local showdown. The opponent was Albuquerque's Jacob "Razor Sharp" Romero who was 10-1-1. It was considered a "pick-em" fight, but on that night it was all Gallegos as Shawn put on a smooth boxing exhibition in taking a clear and unanimous decision over 6 rounds on scores of 59-55, and 60-54 twice. A big win that boosted Shawn to the top of the New Mexico prospects list.
The fight against Aragon was entertaining, and 4 months later, Tommy was given a rematch against Gallegos in a bout that was held at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium. This time they moved up 5 pounds and fought for the vacant New Mexico Jr. Welterweight title belt. It was the same result, Gallegos boxed his way to another clear unanimous decision win to pick up his 2nd New Mexico title belt.
Gallegos continued his winning ways and ran off 5 more wins including a 6-round shutout win over very tough Colorado veteran Benjie Marquez. Now with a record of 15-1, Gallegos was starting to get some national recognition.
Shawn was offered a shot at his first national title belt. He gladly accepted the challenge to face unbeaten NABA champion Dmitriy Salita (22-0) for his title belt, but would have to travel to Salita's home turf of New York City to take it.
It was August 25, 2005 and Gallegos was fighting in only his 2nd ever 10 round bout. A huge step up. It was too big a step as Gallegos started off looking good, but eventually the champion - Salita - was able to gain control and topped Shawn in the 9th round of this title bout.
Gallegos made his return in Santa Fe, NM against A very solid opponent in El Paso Texas' Carlos
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| Gallegos with Dan after big win against Carlos Madrid |
Shawn traveled to Florida for a shot against former WBA World Champion - knockout artist Randall Bailey (33-5, 29 KO) for the now vacant IBA Inter-Continental Jr. Welterweight Championship. Bailey proved to be ready on that night and stopped Gallegos in 8 rounds to win that title belt.
In the next fight, Gallegos found his self in Finland facing another undefeated contender in Denis Shafikov (14-0). It was a spirited performance by Gallegos, but the hometown hero got the unanimous decision to hand Gallegos his 4th loss.
Gallegos returned to New Mexico and put together 2 straight wins, and then took about 3 1/2 years away from the ring to heal from a torn ACL before returning for a big showdown victory over Belen, New Mexico's very popular Jeremiah "The Jet" Torres via unanimous decision over 6 rounds.
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| Gallegos gets his hand raised in victory for the final time |
Gallegos is a math teacher and took on the boxing nickname of "The Educator" as he not only taught students, but often schooled his opponents in the ring. He finished his professional boxing career with a record of 19-6, winning 5 by knockout. He was exciting as a young amateur, and had a successful career winning two state title belts as a professional.
Check out Shawn's entire pro ledger on boxrec: SHAWN "The Educator" GALLEGOS
If you would like to see Shawn Gallegos in the boxing ring, I have the following bouts available on DVD:
Professional:
1. DMITRY SALITA [tko-by-9] {NABA Jr. Welter Title}
2. CARLOS MADRID [w-8]
Amateur:
1. Albert Ruelas
2. Anthony Contreras
3. Andrew Ruiz (Hideout)
The Boxing Guru via E-Mail
2. CARLOS MADRID [w-8]
Amateur:
1. Albert Ruelas
2. Anthony Contreras
3. Andrew Ruiz (Hideout)
The Boxing Guru via E-Mail
Order a copy of Dan's book: MAT TALES - True Stories from the Bizarre, Brutal World of Pro Boxing (available in paperback & kindle on amazon)
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