Rising star, welterweight Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3-1, 10 KOs), is riding a 10-fight winning streak going into his highly anticipated clash with undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs). Santana gives his thoughts on this match-up, his training camp and fighting at Madison Square Garden on the undercard of Klitschko vs. Jennings. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Training camp update…
“Training camp is going as planned. I’ve added a few new things that will be on display April 25th. Right now, it’s about sharpening up the tools that got me here. There is nothing that needs to be changed. I’ve been active so I know I’ll be ready to showcase my talents on HBO come fight night.”
Reflects on his journey to Madison Square Garden…
“It’s been a hard-fought journey to get where I’m at today. After suffering a few losses, I decided I was going to dedicate my life to this sport and give it my all. With a lot of hard work and support from my promoter Gary Shaw, I’m now fighting on the biggest stage at the most prestigious venue in boxing. Madison Square Garden is where every fighter dreams they can fight. It’s my time to show the world I’m on the championship level.”
Relationship with Trainer Joseph “Hoss” Janik…
“When you have the right trainer in your corner, it’s truly a blessing. Hoss is the man and he always tells me like it is. If I’m not doing something right, he’ll let me know right away, he doesn’t beat around the bush. I’m on a ten fight winning streak, and he has a lot to do with it. You couldn’t ask for a better man in the corner.”
Sparring at Wild Card Boxing Gym…
“When you walk into the Wild Card gym you know going in its going to be a rugged day of sparring. The gym is filled with world champions and top prospects. You can’t replicate the work you get there.”
On his matchup with Sadam Ali…
“Sadam Ali is a world class fighter with elite boxing skills, but I feel my style will give him problems. He puts his punches together well and he made a strong statement in his last fight against Abregu. A win against Ali will propel me into a world title fight. Believe me when I say I’m going to bring it on April 25th, it’s going to be a brutal war!”
Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Promotions in association with Madison Square Garden.
