Rocky Mountain '14 Picks For Trainer of The Year

Trainer of the Year: Manny Martinez

By Leann Perez

Manny Martinez has always had a pretty good stable of fighters down in the Springs. But this year his two best have had quite an amazing year and made quite an impression. Chris Galvadon and my nominee for Fighter of the year Izaac Cardona will have good things coming their way in 2015 and under the wing of Manny Martinez will guide them in the right direction.

Trainer of the Year: Manny Martinez & Carlos Galvadon

By Eric ‘Sugar Foot’ Duran

My pick for trainer of the year goes to the whole corner of Issak Cardona and Chris Galvadon.  Both Cardona and Galvadon have become fan favorites in Colorado, using a high volume, hard hitting style to overwhelm opponents.

Trainer of the Year: Trevor Wittman & Jacob Ramos

By Stephen “Darkness” Johnson

Grudge Gym trainers Trevor Wittman and Jacob Ramos. These two have established themselves as standout trainers in both boxing and MMA in Colorado and around the country. The names of Brandon Thatch and Justin ’The Highlight’ Gaethje (MMA) along with Manuel ‘Manos’ Perez and Giovanni Merceron (boxing) a validation of their success in both sports.

Trainer of the Year: Steve “Match Makin” Mestas

By Chris Morris

The man who wears every hat in the fight game, from promoter to matchmaker and including training is Steve ‘Match Makin’ Mestas. He is also the most powerful player in the Colorado boxing scene. He trains any and everyone. From champs like ‘Red Hot’ Rob Frankel to a female model with one fight in Maureen Riordan and EVERYTHING in between. He trains the Schuckman’s Randall and Lacey for the world of MMA and cage fighting. He may not be the very best trainer out there but the shear volume of fighters that he puts in the ring is amazing. The number of folks calling this man ‘coach’ is something else. He’s a fine cutman as well. Keeping Rob Frankel’s face intact is no small feat and he’s done it time and again. When you take into account he is also a premier promoter in Colorado you have to wonder where does this guy find the time? He does have a great ‘right hand man at the gym in Tomas Gallegos, which helps immensely. He is also a very well known international matchmaker and his reach is often underestimated. He wields a lot of power.