Tonight at the CONSOL Energy Center, undefeated 18-year-old Jr. Welterweight, Milton “El Santo” Santiago returns to the ring when he takes on veteran Jose Valderrama in a scheduled 6-round bout on the off-tv portion of a show that will be televised on Showtime’s, SHO BOX card.
Santiago of Philadelphia has a record of 8-0 with three knockouts and will be making his first appearance of 2015.
He was very active in 2014 as he turned pro and fought eight times with the latest being a 4-round unanimous decision over Travis Thompson on December 5 in Chester, PA
“Camp went good. I am on weight and in good shape,” said the Sr. at William Tennant High School.
In Valderrama, he is fighting a guy who has a record of 4-8 with three knockouts but has faced 6 undefeated opponents and has a win over previously undefeated Chris Alexander.
“I know my opponent is taller and thin. He is coming up from 135 pounds. I am just going to use my jab and do what I have to do to win.”
Santiago, who was a heralded amateur, believes that as he matures in age, that he will continue to grow and get better as a fighter.
“I am getting stronger. I am a learning a little with each fight, and I am taking this step by step but I am in no hurry. My team which is my managers Moz Gonzalez and Eddie Woods plus my adviser Al Haymon will decide when I step up.”
Santiago was able to take three days off of school to fight tonight in Pittsburgh.
“I just want to thank everyone for their support and I hope everyone that comes out will enjoy the show.”
