Undefeated junior welterweight Giovani Santillan (14-0, 8 KOs), aims to continue his win streak when he meets the hard striking Luis Solis (14-4-4, 12 KOs) in the 8-round main event of Thompson Boxing Promotions “New Blood” event, this Friday, Oct. 24, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.
The 22-year-old Santillan is making the first defense of his NABF Jr. Championship that he captured in a vacant title bout against Osenohan Vazquez in August.
Tickets for the five-bout “New Blood” card are priced at $40, $60 and $100 and are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.
Santillan, a southpaw from San Diego, has been one of the most durable and consistent fighters under the Thompson Boxing brand. He fought six times in 2012, the year he turned professional, added five more wins in 2013, and will fight for the fourth time this year on Friday.
“Winning means everything to me,” Santillan said. “I know I’m young, but I realize that boxing careers are some of the shortest in professional sports. I approach each fight as if it’s my last. I’m always in the gym working to get better.”
Ask Santillan if there is any added motivation in training camp for this fight compared to others that do not have title implications, and he simply shrugs it off.
“I don’t want to sound insensitive and not appreciative for this opportunity because I am, but I train with the same focus and determination for every fight,” Santillan said. “I’m trying to make a name for myself, so every time I step in the ring, it’s a world title fight.”
“I can tell you all about Giovani’s exciting fighting style and how much he has improved over the last year, but that can be said about a lot of young, talented prospects,” said Alex Camponovo, matchmaker and general manager at Thompson Boxing. “What makes him special is his work ethic, desire, and attitude that is driving him to one day compete for a world title.”
Over his last six fights, Santillan notes a difference in his development, one that could only be obtained through experience. Out of those six fights, three went the distance, which allowed him to correct mistakes while they happened. Any trainer will tell you that in-fight adjustments is a required skill for any prospect looking to make the jump from contender to world champion.
“My ring intelligence is getting better and better with every fight,” said Santillan, who is trained by former boxer Danny Perez. “We see that as one of the final steps in my development. You’ll see a more savvy and controlled version of me on Friday night.”
