Before I leap into this week's column, I'd like to ask everyone to please stop sending me e-mails asking me who I think will win: Austin Trout or Ray Sanchez III?

The answer: Neither, because they are not fighting each other.

The confusion is due to several billboards Isleta Casino has erected along I-40 and I-25, advertising the July 28 Top Rank card, with posing shots of the two fighters, leaving the impression that the two are fighting one another.

It would certainly be an interesting matchup, but it isn't going to happen in the near future, and maybe never.

Not only is Trout a weight division heavier than Sanchez (154 pounds to 147) but with both fighters climbing the ladder in their respective classes, a showdown without years of build up is about as likely as a sold-out pro boxing card at The Pit.

Speaking of Trout and Sanchez, the top two New Mexican male fighters will head a lineup chock full of local talent on the Top Rank show.

In the second of a four-fight deal with Isleta Casino, Top Rank returns with a nearly-perfect card that is guaranteed to boost the local scene.

In the main event, former world champion Martin "Gallito" Castillo (31-2, 17 KOs) is looking to get back on track for another title shot. He'll take on former North American Boxing Federation champion Oscar Andrade (36-27-1, 17 KOs), a proven veteran who may be on the down slope of his career but has not ceased in giving thrilling performances.

There is one blaring stain on the card Í the opponent Top Rank has chosen for Sanchez.

While many fighters in the state are fighting increasingly tougher opposition, Sanchez's foes seem to be getting easier. This time he's matched against an opponent who will most likely not see the second round.

Sanchez (19-1, 14 KOs), will take on Travis Hartmann (8-7-1, 6 KOs) of St. Joseph, Mo., in an eight-round welterweight bout. Hartmann has lost his last three bouts and has been fighting at about 139 pounds.

Trout (10-0, 8 KOs), meanwhile, will be fighting an opponent tougher than anyone Sanchez has fought in his 20 pro bouts.

Trout will face El Paso's Nelson Estupinan (11-5, 8 KOs), who fights anywhere from 147 to 154 pounds and packs knockout power in his right hand. Estupinan has lost several in a row, but he's also fought high-profile boxers such as Hector Camacho Jr., Vanes Matirosyan and Joaquin Zamora.

All three of the fighters were knocked down by Estupinan.

The grooming of Trout appears to be making sense, but Sanchez's career path remains a mystery.

Still, few educated boxing aficionados should doubt boxing promoter Bruce Trampler of Top Rank, who guided Albuquerque boxers Johnny Tapia and Danny Romero to world titles in the 1990s, and countless other champions in his 25 years in the boxing business. No doubt there's a master plan for Sanchez.

But how long must we wait?

Several other top locals have a place on the Isleta show: Duke City featherweight Matthew "Papitas" Esquibel (6-0, 3 KOs) is scheduled for four rounds against Guadalupe Guzman (2-1, 1 KO) of Lubbock, Texas.

Santa Fe bantam Anthony Vialpondo (2-0) will face Ronald Bubaldino (1-1-2) of San Juan, Texas, in another four-rounder.

Albuquerque's Marcos Acosta (2-0) is matched in a four-rounder against Dallas' Jose Garcia (0-1).

Two more fights are slated for what will probably comprise the Telefutura-televised portion of the card:

El Paso's Carlos Madrid (8-3-2, 2 KOs), who gets my vote for most improved fighter between here and the border, faces unbeaten Filipino Mercito Gesta (10-0-1, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Unbeaten Alejandro Perez (9-0-1, 4 KOs) of Salinas, Calif., faces Martin Armenta (11-13-3, 7 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico.

The Isleta card will be the first of back-to-back pro cards.

One night later, at the Sky City Casino in Acoma, Juan Romero Promotions has a six-bout card lined up.

The main event matches Espa¤ola's Monica Lovato (10-1, 4 KOs) against Mariana Juarez (18-4-3, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles.

Amateur boxing: Two nights of USA Boxing amateur bouts begin tonight at the Daniel Fernandez Youth Center on Highway 314 in Los Lunas with the 2007 New Mexico State Junior Golden Gloves tournament. Sponsored by the T.U.F.F. Boxing Club in Albuquerque, the card will feature about 20 matches both nights. Tournament winners advance to National Junior Golden Gloves. First bell both nights is at 6 p.m.

Cozzone owns and operates NewMexicoBoxing.com. His column runs Fridays in The Tribune. You can reach him at chris@cozzone.com.