Thursday, June 8, 2000 | 9:57 a.m.
In a somewhat stunning turn of events, featherweight boxer Augie Sanchez of Las Vegas has landed a prominent, big-money fight with Prince Naseem Hamed.
The bout, agreed upon Wednesday, will be held Aug. 19 at the Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard, Conn., and will be televised by HBO.
"It's a big surprise," Sanchez said of winning the Hamed sweepstakes and getting a fight that earlier appeared to be headed for Las Vegas and going to a more experienced challenger or a reigning champion. Fellow Las Vegan Clarence "Bones" Adams appeared to be in the driver's seat for the fight two weeks ago, yet in the long run he was passed over and replaced by Sanchez.
"It's pretty exciting," said Sanchez's trainer (and father-in-law), Pat Barry. "Thank God for this great break. We're thrilled."
Sanchez, who was scheduled to fight June 18 at the Regent Las Vegas against journeyman Jose Rodriguez, has pulled out of that fight to concentrate on Hamed.
Sanchez is 26-1 with 23 knockouts.
Hamed, who holds the lightly regarded World Boxing Organization championship yet is routinely listed among the world's greatest fighters at any weight, is 34-0.
"I've never had anything like this happen to me," Sanchez said. "This is a good deal. Since I'm so young, I think he'll be taking me lightly.
"Then again, it seems like Hamed takes everyone lightly."
Sanchez, who attended Cheyenne High School, is 22 years old.
Hamed, of Sheffield, England, is 26.
"He wouldn't fight Bones," said Cameron Duncan, a Las Vegan who serves as the booking agent for Adams and Sanchez, among others. "Who knows what the downfall was with that? But I threw out Augie's name and now the fight is definitely going to happen.
"It's 100 percent for sure."
Sanchez was uncertain of his pay for the fight, although it figures to be substantial.
Along with the money comes the opportunity to upset a vaunted puncher with a worldwide following.
"No one has succeeded yet, but I'm going to out-smart him and out-think him," Sanchez said. "I'm ready for him."
Barry commented on Sanchez's development within the past year and his rise through the world rankings. Among the various organizations, Sanchez is listed at No. 10 by the WBO.
"I give the Prince credit for taking on a fighter who's just coming into his prime," Barry said. "He's meeting a real challenge and a true featherweight.
"We'll be ready for him."
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