New York, NY (April 8, 2022)- Undefeated welterweight contender Giovani Santillan of Split-T Management will be back in action on Saturday night as he takes on Jeovannis Barraza in the co-feature bout of an ESPN card on Saturday night in Costa Mesa, California.

The 30 year-old Santillan of San Diego, has a record of 28-0 with 15 knockouts. A 10 year-veteran of the squared circle, Santillan is on the verge of a big fight. Of his 28 wins, some of his noted victories have been over Peter Haro (2-0), Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Harryk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz Centeno (10-2), Omar Tieneda Bahena (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kahmeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1), former world champion Antonio DeMarco, Cecil McCalla (23-4) and his last bout when he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Ruiz (17-1) on October 15, 2021 in his hometown of San Diego.

Barraza of Barranquilla, Colombia is 23-2 with 15 knockouts. The 26 year-old is an eight-year professional, and a former Colombian Welterweight champion who has defeated the likes of Francisco Marlmon (1-0), Luis Guillermo Berrio (5-1-1), Domicio Roldon (11-2), Carlos Saenz (19-2). Barraza is coming off a loss to Alexis Rocha on November 13, 2021 in Anaheim, California.

Giovani Santillan Press Conference Quotes:

“I like fighting in Southern California. It was great to have been able to fight in San Diego, my hometown. I think that San Diego has a lot of boxing fans, and to have a show out there is great for everybody. To be in the co-main event of that show was amazing. Now we’re in Costa Mesa, which is only an hour away from San Diego. I expect a lot of fans, friends and family to be there.”

“I’m ready for a title shot. I think I’m there. We definitely want the big fights. Hopefully, this year we get closer to something like that. Hopefully, we can be the main event in San Diego. This Saturday night will be important for me because it will set the tone for what I’m going to do for the rest of the year.”

“With every fight, there is always pressure. You always have to perform as a fighter, especially fighting on ESPN. You always want to do your best. I think I’m undefeated for a reason. We’re always thinking about trying to get the bigger fights. I’m always working hard because I want to give the best version of myself in each fight.”

At Friday’s weigh-in, Santillan was 147.4 lbs. Barraza was 148.6.

Santillan is co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (April 4, 2022) — Australia’s Andrew Moloney hopes to earn another junior bantamweight world title shot in 2022. In order to do so, he’ll have to get past an upset-minded veteran from Northern California.

Moloney will face Gilberto Mendoza in an eight-rounder this Saturday, April 9, at The Hangar at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. Moloney-Mendoza will open the televised tripleheader headlined by WBO/IBF junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer’s title defense against Jennifer Han.

Mayer-Han, the welterweight co-feature between Giovani Santillan and Jeonvanis Barraza, and Moloney-Mendoza will air live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Moloney (22-2, 14 KOs), a former WBA 115-pound world champion, lost his title via unanimous decision to Joshua Franco in June 2020. Moloney and Franco fought to a controversial no-contest in their November 2020 rematch, and their trilogy concluded last August with Franco retaining his title by decision. Moloney returned to action in December in Sydney, Australia, winning a wide points verdict over Froilan Saludar. Mendoza (19-11-3, 10 KOs), from Modesto, California, has not been stopped in more than a decade and has gone the distance with the likes of former world champions Angel Acosta and Rau’shee Warren.

Moloney said, “I’m grateful that my fight will be live on ESPN, and I will show everyone that I am a much better fighter than what they saw from me against Franco. I’m looking to make a statement in this fight and move closer to another world title.”

Undercard action will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT) and will feature the following bouts.

• Two-time bantamweight world title challenger Jason Moloney (22-2, 18 KOs), last seen defeating top contender Joshua Greer Jr., will face Francisco Pedroza (17-10-2, 10 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 10 or 8 rounds.
   
• Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (3-0), the 18-year-old junior featherweight sensation from Las Vegas, steps up against the once-beaten Blake Quintana (4-1, 1 KO) in a six-rounder. Diaz turned pro in February 2021 following a storied amateur career at the junior level.
   
• Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO) makes his long-awaited professional return versus Diuhl Olguin (15-21-5, 10 KOs) in a six-rounder at featherweight.
   
• Ragan’s Olympic teammate, Virginia Fuchs, makes her highly anticipated professional debut against Randee Lynn Morales (4-3, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at flyweight. In addition to her appearance at the Tokyo Olympics, Fuchs earned a bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships and silver at the 2019 Pan American Games.
   
• IBF No. 1 featherweight contender Luis Alberto Lopez (24-2, 13 KOs), fresh off his title eliminator knockout victory over Isaac Lowe, will fight Raul Chirino (19-13, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder. Lopez has won seven straight fights, a streak that’s included wins over Andy Vences and Gabriel Flores Jr. 

In additional undercard action, which will take place before the ESPN+ stream (3 p.m. PT), Mexican junior welterweight prospect Lindolfo Delgado (14-0, 12 KOs) will fight an opponent to be named in an eight-rounder, and 2021 National Golden Gloves silver medalist Angel Hernandez will make his professional debut versus Victor Saravia (1-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder at featherweight.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Englebrecht Promotions & Events, tickets starting at $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (March 14, 2022) — WBO/IBF unified junior lightweight world champion Mikaela Mayer hasn’t fought in front of a hometown crowd in four years, but that all changes Saturday, April 9, as SoCal’s Olympic amateur star defends her titles against former world champion Jennifer Han at The Hangar at the Orange County Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

In the co-feature, San Diego’s Giovani Santillan joins the homecoming festivities in a 10-round welterweight battle versus rugged Colombian Jeovanis Barraza.
 
Mayer-Han and Santillan-Barraza will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Undercard action will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ and is scheduled to include WBC No. 2/WBO No. 3/IBF No. 10 bantamweight contender Jason Moloney (22-2, 18 KOs) in a 10-rounder, former world champion Andrew “The Monster” Moloney (22-2, 14 KOs) in an eight-round junior bantamweight tilt, and IBF No. 1 featherweight contender Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez (24-2, 13 KOs) in an eight-round battle. U.S. Olympic silver medalist Duke Ragan (4-0, 1 KO), whose pro return was delayed due to injuries and the death of his beloved father, will compete in a six-round featherweight fight. Ragan’s fellow 2020 U.S. Olympian, Virginia Fuchs, will make her pro debut in a six-round flyweight special attraction.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Englebrecht Promotions & Events, tickets starting at $60 go on sale Tuesday, March 15 at 11 a.m. PT and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.

“We are thrilled to return to Southern California with Mikaela Mayer defending her world titles on ESPN against a top contender in Jennifer Han,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Mikaela is on her way to fully unifying the division, and she has a big opportunity to make a statement in front of her home fans.”
 
Mayer (16-0, 5 KOs) achieved international recognition following her participation in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. She signed with Top Rank the following year and made pro her debut in Los Angeles on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Miguel Marriaga undercard. Since then, she has been on a historic run and has broken new ground for women in the sport, including a decisive win over Helen Joseph to cap off the first female main event in Top Rank’s revamped boxing series on ESPN. Mayer unified her WBO 130-pound title with longtime IBF champion Maiva Hamadouche last November in a classic battle that demonstrated the Olympian’s ability to stand toe-to-toe in the center of the ring.

Mayer said, “Big props to Jennifer Han for taking this fight. Everyone knows I have been in pursuit of undisputed, but since the other two champs are being reserved for each other, I had to look elsewhere to stay busy. Han stepped up. I believe I separated myself in my last fight against Hamadouche by displaying my versatility, and I want to continue to do that. I want to show that I can adapt to any style and that I am the most well-rounded boxer out there.”
 
Han (18-4-1, 1 KO) became the first world champion out of El Paso, Texas, when she defeated Helen Joseph to capture the IBF featherweight crown in September 2015. Han later defended her titles against the likes of Lizbeth Crespo and Calista Silgado, and all three of her aforementioned adversaries would later face Mayer before she earned her first world title. In Han’s last fight, she challenged Olympic gold medalist and undisputed lightweight world champion Katie Taylor on enemy turf, but now her plans are to prevent Mayer from becoming undisputed at junior lightweight.
 
Han said, “I’m excited for the opportunity to headline against Mikaela Mayer. Women’s boxing is finally getting the recognition and the platform that we deserve.”
 
Santillan (28-0, 15 KOs), from San Diego, breathed new life into his career after joining forces with Robert Garcia following a razor-thin victory over former world champion Antonio DeMarco in June 2020. After defeating Cecil McCalla via eight-round decision in their first fight together, Santillan demonstrated the fruits of this rewarding partnership by delivering a crowd-pleasing performance against Angel Ruiz last October in San Diego. Barraza (23-2, 15 KOs), a tough challenger from Barranquilla, Colombia, returns after facing local favorite Alexis Rocha in Anaheim, so he’s no stranger to fighting heavy-hitting southpaws on away soil.

SAN DIEGO, CA (October 18, 2021) – Thompson Boxing’s welterweight, Giovani Santillan (28-0, 15 KOs), stayed unbeaten and thrilled fans in his hometown of San Diego, California, this past Friday as he defeated Angel Ruiz (17-2, 12 KOs), of Los Angeles, California, by way of a ten-round unanimous decision with the scores of 99-91 and 100-90 on two cards. The ten-round bout, co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing, was shown live on ESPN+.

After the triumphant win, Santillan is looking to get his world rankings status back, with the hopes of working his way toward a world title shot in 2022. He feels he is very close to getting a big fight with one of the top fighters in the welterweight division. Santillan, who has nearly thirty wins with no defeats, is now looking to have a bout with a top contender in his next fight.

“I want to work my way to a title eliminator bout in 2022,” said Santillan, who is co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing. “My goal has always been to be a world champion, and I’m going to earn it, and I think by next year, people will see that my record speaks for itself, and that I should get it. I am not calling out anyone, but I want everyone in the division to be on notice that I am willing to take big fights starting next year.”

“It was a good win, and I was thrilled to entertain my fans at home,” continued Santillan. “I fought four months ago, but before that I had a year layoff, and I have also adjusted to a new camp with Robert Garcia, so I feel I am starting to get into a good groove. I know with if I continue to work hard, a world title shot will be in my future. I’m definitely looking to fight a top contender in my next fight.”

“Giovani showed a lot in this fight, and we believe he is really close to getting a big fight,” stated promoter Ken Thompson. “This win opened up a lot of doors for Santillan and we will work toward getting him ranked. Every time he’s stepped up in competition, he’s showed he can take his game to the next level. We will be working closely with Top Rank and his management team, to see what’s best for him. His future is bright.”

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New York (October 18, 2021)-Split-T Management fighters were a perfect 4-for-4 over the weekend with winning efforts on Friday night in San Diego and Saturday night in Brooklyn.

Friday night in San Diego, Split-T fighters racked up three victories as Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Ruiz in a welterweight bout.

Santillan was able to get the better of the fast paced fight by landing hard combinations on the inside. The fight was fought at close quarters with many exchanges that saw Santillan land more and harder.

In round seven, Santillan’s left eye began to swell.

Santillan landed 266 of 693 punches; Ruiz was 157 of 577.

Santillan, 147 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 28-0. Ruiz, 147.4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-2.

Santillan said, “This is what it’s all about, a great fight in front of my amazing hometown fans. They were cheering for me all night, and it was an honor to perform for my people in San Diego.

“My father and I always wanted to fight here. It was a dream come true, and credit to Angel Ruiz for going to battle for 10 rounds. He’s a true Mexican warrior. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Santillan is promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing

Javier Martinez remained undefeated as he battered Darryl Jones over six-rounds to win a unanimous decision in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 162.4 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 60-53 twice and is now 5-0. Jones, 161.6 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 4-3-1.

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank.

6’9″ Antonio Mireles made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Demonte Randle in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles dropped Randle with a right hook. Seconds later, Mireles landed a hard flurry that sent Randle into the ropes for a knockdown. Mireles ended the fight with a right hook to the side of the head that sent Randle down and the fight was stopped at 2:07.

Mireles, 262.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 1-0 with one knockout. Randle, 314 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 2-2.

Mireles is Promoted by Top Rank.

Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Will Madera spoiled the American debut of Jamshidbek Najmitdinov after round five of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight fight.

In round four, The nose of Najmitdinov began to bleed. Najmitdinov also hurt his left arm, and the fight was halted after round five because of those injuries.

Madera, 139.4 lbs of Albany, NY is now 17-1-3 with 10 knockouts. Najmitdinov, 139.8 lbs of Tashkent, UZB is 17-2.

“This was a tough fight against a strong guy,” said Madera. “I knew I was hurting him, he was shaking his head no but that usually means yet. He was getting tired from my body shots and I could hear him grunting after each one.”

Madera is promoted by Liveco Boxing.

Split-T Management’s undefeated featherweight, Haven Brady Jr. will be in action this Saturday night in Atlanta.

Santillan/Martinez/Mireles Photos by Mikey Williams Top Rank via Getty Images.

Madera Photo by Amanda Wescott / Triller Fight Club

Follow all the action as Emanuel Navarrete defends the WBO Featherweight title against Joet Gonzalez. The fights start at 11:30 PM ET with welterweights Giovani Santillan and Angel Ruiz

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Round 1: Right and left from Gonzalez

Round 2 Body shot from Gonzalez…Nice Jab…Swelling under the right of Gonzalez..Nice Jab from Navarrete..

Round 3 Flurry from Gonzalez..Left and hook to body from Navarrete..Nice right from Gonzalez…Gonzalez cut under right eye from a punch…Navarrete digging to body..Right and combination from Gonzalez..Nice combinations

Round 4 1-2 and an uppercut from Navarrete…Short left..quick right from Gonzalez..Body and right..Left to body from Navarrete..Good body work from Gonzalez…Right hurts Navarrete

Round 5 Nice Jab from Gonzalez…Left and uppercut from Navarrete..Right

Round 6 Volume combination from Navarrete..Long right from Gonzalez…Nice right to body..Navarrete lands an uppercut..Short roght from Gonzalez..

Round 7 Gonzlez lands a counter…5 punch combination from Navarrete…Nice uppercut..

Round 8 Navarrete lands a right…Nice right…Hard right

Round 9 Nice right from Gonzalez..Body shot…Combination from Navarrete..Nice uppercut

Round 10 Gonzalez is cut around both eyes… Low blow landed by Gonzalez..Combination from Navarrete..body shot…Nice Combination..Gonzalez lands a nice left hook..

Round 11 Nice right from Gonzalez..5 punch combination from Navarrete..Left and right from Gonzalez..

Round 12 Body work from Navarrete…Nice right from Gonzalez and a body shot..2 left hooks..4 punch combination from Navarrete..Big right..Great fight

118-110, 116-112 For EMANUEL NAVARRETE

Round 1 Uppercut Hurts Santillan
Round 2 Flurry from Santillan..Short left..Left from Ruiz..Left from Santillan..Body from Ruiz..Body shot
Round 3 Double right hook from santillan…Nice right from Ruiz..Left hook..Left and and right from Santillan..Double left..Nice Uppercut..right Hook from Ruiz..Right uppercut from Santillan
Round 4 Hard combination from Santillan..Right from Ruiz
Round 5 Nice counter right from Santillan..Nice body shot..Right uppercut…Nice left..2 Uppercuts from Ruiz..1-2 from Santillan…
Round 6 Solid right from Ruiz…Body..Right to the head..Trading body shots…Nice right from Ruiz
Round 7 Right from Ruiz..Hard left from Santillan..Right hand..
Round 8 Combination from Santillan..2 lefts..Big combination..Uppercuts..Big Flurry
Round 9 Santillan landeing damaging shots on the ropes
Round 10 Left and 3 punch combination from Santillan..Nice right hook from Ruiz…2 punch combination from Santilan..Flurry..Double Right hook..

99-91, 100-90 FOR SANTILLAN

Emanauel Navarrete earned his 2nd title defense of the WBO Featherweight title over Joet Gonzalez at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

In round two, Gonzalez began to swell under his right eye. In round three, a cut formed under that eye from a Navarrete left hook. Gonzalez showed an extreme toughness as the swelling and cut got worse in each round, but that did nor deter him as he agressiveness made Navarrete begin to turn up his customery volume punching.

Over the 2nd half of the fight, Navarrete started taking control, but when the cut from Gonzalez seemed to worsen, he came back to land hard shots that would push Gonzalez back. In the end, the sheer volume was the difference for Gonzalez by scores of 118-110 and 116-112 twice.

Navarrete landed 272 of 979 punches; Gonzalez was 169 of 667.

Navarrete, 125.8 lbs of Mexico is 35-1. Gonzalez, 125.4 lbs of Glendora, CA is 24-2. Both of his losses were in world title bouts as he dropped a unanimous decision to Shakur Stevenson for the same title October 26, 2019.

“Without a doubt, I hurt him, but every single time he came back, and he also hurt me. A couple shots he landed hurt me during the fight,” Navarrete said. “It has been an exciting ride so far, and from now on, I want the bigger fights.”

Gonzalez said, “I thought I had it seven rounds to five, eight rounds to four. I was really surprised by that score of 118-110, I believe. But it is what it is, and I did my best.”

Santillan Decisions Ruiz

Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Angel Ruiz in a welterweight bout.

Santillan was able to get the better of the fast paced fight by landing hard combinations on the inside. The fight was fought at close quarters with many exchanges that saw Santillan land more and harder.

In round seven, Santillan’s left eye began to swell.

Santillan landed 266 of 693 punches; Ruiz was 157 of 577.

Santillan, 147 lbs of San Diego won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 28-0. Ruiz, 147.4 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 17-2.

Santillan said, “This is what it’s all about, a great fight in front of my amazing hometown fans. They were cheering for me all night, and it was an honor to perform for my people in San Diego.
 
“My father and I always wanted to fight here. It was a dream come true, and credit to Angel Ruiz for going to battle for 10 rounds. He’s a true Mexican warrior. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Henry LeBron remained undefeated by winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Manuel Rey Rojas in a junior lightweight bout.

LeBron landed 97 of 311 punches; Rojas was 37 of 232.

Lebron, 131 lbs of Puerto Rico won by scores of 80-72 scores on all cards and is now 14-0. Rojas, 130.2 lbs of Dallas, TX is 21-6.

Lindolfo Delgado remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Juan Garcia Mendez in a junior welterweight fight.

In round eight, Delgado landed a hard right that was follwed by a combination that dropped Mendez in the corner.

Delgado landed 170 of 385 punches; Mendez was 75 of 451.

Delgado, 141.6 lbs of Linares, MEX won by scores of 80-71 on all cards, and is now 14-0. Mendez, 140.2 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 21-5-2.

Javier Martinez remained undefested as he battered Darryl Jones over six-rounds to win a unanimous decision in a middleweight bout.

Martinez, 162.4 lbs of Milwaukee, WI won by scores of 60-54 and 60-53 twice and is now 5-0. Jones, 161.6 lbs of Sarasota, FL is 4-3-1.

Floyd Diaz remained undefeated by winning a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Ramirez in a bantamweight fight.

In round one, Diaz dropped Ramirez with an overhand right.

Diaz, 118 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 40-35 twice and 39-36 and is now 3-0. Ramirez, 116.4 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 1-1.

Antonio Mireles made a successful pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Demonte Randle in a heavyweight bout.

In round one, Mireles dropped Randle with a right hook. Seconds later, Mireles landed a hard flurry that sent Randle into the ropes for a knockdown. Mireles ended the fight with a right jook to the side of the head that sent Randle down and the fight was stopped at

Mireles, 262.2 lbs of Des Moines, IA is 1-0 with one knockout. Randle, 314 lbs of Kansas City, MO is 2-2.

NEW YORK (October 14, 2021) – Tomorrow night at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego, three members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action.

In the co-feature bout, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan takes on Angel Ruiz in a 10-round welterweight fight.

Santillan, who will be fighting at home as the San Diego native sports a perfect mark of 27-0 with 15 knockouts.

The 29 year-old Santillan is the former NABO welterweight champion, and is the cusp of a big fight as he wins over Peter Haro (2-0), Michael Belasi (10-2), Daniyer Hanik (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tineda (18-3), Sammy Valintin (12-0), Dodzi Kemwh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1), and his bout whenhe took a unanimous deciion from Cecil McCalla (23-4) on June 26 in Las Vegas.

Ruiz of Los Angeles is 17-1 with 12 knockouts. Ruz, 24 has a win over Jonathan Foruna (8-2), and his last bout, when he won an unanimnous decision over previously undefeated Bobizhan Mominov on April 22nd in West Point, New York.

Santillan, who is co-promoted by Top Rank and Thompson Boxing weighed 147 lbs. Ruiz was 147.4

Santillan – Ruiz will be streamed by ESPN + beginning at 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT.

Also seeing action will be Split-T Management’s undefeated Javier Martinez. Martinez will take on Darryl Jones in a six-round middleweight bout.

Martinez of Milwaukee, Wisconson is 4-0 with two knockouts. Martinez has wins over Rance Ward (4-1-1) and his last bout he stopped veteran Calvin Metcalf in four-rounds on May 22nd in Las Vegas.

Martinez, 26, was the 2020 Olympic Trial Champion at middleweight, . A five-time National Champion, and the number-one ranked fighter at 165 pounds in the USA Boxing Rankings, Martinez’s selection as an Olympic alternate despite his victory at the trials and various international experience caused shock-waves through the amateur system.

Jones of North Port, Florida is 4-2-1 with two knockouts. The capable Jones has wins over Stephen Hall (1-0) and Aaron Casper (5-1)

Martinez is promoted by Top Rank, and weighed 162.4 lbs. Jones was 161.6 lbs.

Making his pro debut will be recent Split-T Management signee, 6’9″ Antonio Mireles.

Mireles, of Mexican-American descent, initially began boxing at the Des Moines PAL at the age of 12 and started competing at 15. He was guided for his entire amateur career by a pair of two strong coaches in John Saunders and Elly Nunez.

In his relatively brief, but extremely successful run in the amateurs, Mireles compiled a record of 28-4 with 10 knockouts – culminating in winning the 2020 USA Olympic Trials in the Super Heavyweight division. He was also a 2019 National Golden Gloves Champion, a 2019 Eastern Elite Amateur Champion and a five-time Iowa Golden Gloves Champion.

He will be taking Demonte Randle (2-1, 2 KOs) of Texas City, Texas.

Mireles, who is promoted by Top rank, weighed 262.2 lbs. Randle was 314 lbs

The Martinez / Jones and Mireles/Randle fights will be streamed by ESPN+ beginning at 8:30 PM ET /5:30 PM PT

    •   Emanuel Navarrete 125.8 lbs vs. Joet Gonzalez 125.4 lbs 
(Navarrete’s  WBO Featherweight World Title — 12 Rounds)
Judges: Max DeLuca, Patricia Morse Jarman and Pat Russell
Referee: Ray Corona

•     Giovani Santillan 147 lbs vs. Angel Ruiz 147.4 lbs 
(Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT)

•  Henry Lebron 131 lbs vs. Manuel Rey Rojas 130.2 lbs 
(Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

   •   Lindolfo Delgado 141.6 lbs vs. Juan Garcia Mendez 140.2 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

   •       Javier Martinez 162.4 lbs vs. Darryl Jones 161.6 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

   •   Floyd Diaz 118 lbs vs. Jose Ramirez 116.4 lbs
 (Bantamweight — 4 Rounds)

   •   Antonio Mireles 262.2 lbs vs. Demote Randle 314 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 13, 2021)—One of Mexico’s most decorated champions, WBO featherweight king Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete, knows the challenge at hand is a formidable one. The former junior featherweight champion will make the second defense of his featherweight title against Joet Gonzalez this Friday at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Gonzalez is making his second attempt at a world title, while Navarrete hopes to improve to 10-0 in world title fights.

In the 10-round welterweight co-feature, San Diego native Giovani Santillan (27-0, 15 KOs) will take on the hard-charging Angel Ruiz (17-1, 12 KOs). Ruiz is coming off April’s decision win over the previously undefeated Bobirzhan Mominov. 

At Wednesday’s final press conference, this is what the combatants had to say.

Emanuel Navarrete

“I feel very strong. I’ve seen changes in my body for the best, and I think this division is the best for me.”

“I think this is going to be a tough fight. He is a tough opponent. We are basically fighting in his hometown, closer to where he lives. Without a doubt, he’s a great fighter. He always comes forward. I expect a tough fight.”

“Moving up is not something that I’m considering now. I’m just focused on the fight with Joet. What I’ve heard is comments, but I’m not really thinking about moving up.”

Joet Gonzalez

On his first title shot against Shakur Stevenson

“Sometimes it’s just not your night. I work hard and train hard for every fight. I don’t take nobody lightly. It just simply wasn’t my night. I rebounded with a win over Marriaga, and I think I showed the public I’m here to fight the best out there.”

“It’s not an easy fight. It’s a tough fight. Navarrete has a style that’s very unique, very hard to figure out, and that’s why he’s a champion. I trained really hard, and I’m coming with everything. I’m planning on leaving Friday night with that belt.”

“It means everything. It’s my childhood dream. I always wanted to be a world champion. That’s why I started boxing in the beginning. That’s the plan, to bring that belt back home.”

Giovani Santillan

“This means a lot. It’s what we worked so hard for all my life. My dad and I always talked about having these big shows in San Diego and representing our city.”

“We’re focused. I’m lucky to have a huge support system. I got my friends and my family. They haven’t really been asking for free tickets. If anything, they’re letting me know, ‘Hey, I bought tickets. I bought this amount of tickets and am coming out to support you.'”

“I’m not sure how long ago it was that we sparred, maybe three, four years ago. We just went about five rounds. Good, hard sparring session, but I’m not judging him off of that sparring session or past fights. We’re working hard to prepare for the best version of him, and I’m bringing the best version of myself.”

“It’s very special for me to be fighting here in San Diego. I grew up close by here. To all my family and friends that are coming, expect the best version of me. I’m coming with everything.”

Angel Ruiz

“I learned a lot {with trainer Manny Robles} because he’s a great coach. He’s trained Oscar Valdez and Andy Ruiz Jr., and I learned a lot {under his tutelage}.”

“{Giovani and I} had great sparring. He’s a great fighter. I’m a great fighter, too. It was great work.”

“I lived all my life in Tijuana. I know San Diego. I lived a year here in Chula Vista. I’ll have a lot of the public here to support. This is my opportunity.”

FRIDAY, October 15, 2021

ESPN+, Approximately 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT

Emanuel Navarrete vs. Joet Gonzalez, 12 rounds, Navarrete’s WBO Featherweight World Title

Giovani Santillan vs. Angel Ruiz, 10 rounds, welterweight

ESPN+, 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT

Henry Lebron vs. Manuel Rey Rojas, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Juan Garcia Mendez, 8 rounds, junior welterweight

Antonio Mireles vs. Demonte Randle, 4 rounds, heavyweight

About ESPN+

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.
  
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

SAN DIEGO, CA (October 12, 2021) – Thompson Boxing’s unbeaten welterweight, Giovani Santillan (27-0, 15 KOs), will return to the ring this Friday October 15, 2021, against Angel Ruiz (17-1, 12 KOs), of Los Angeles, California.

The 10-round bout, shown live on ESPN+, will take place at the Pechanga Arena San Diego, in Santillan’s hometown of San Diego, CA, and will serve as the co-main event to Emanuel Navarrete’s (34-1, 29 KOs) WBO Featherweight title defense against Joet Gonzalez (24-1, 14 KOs).

This will be Santillan’s first fight in San Diego since 2014, and his second fight with head coach Robert Garcia, who has his father Memo Santillan in the corner as an assistant. Santillan has a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank Inc., who is promoting this event.

Here is what Santillan had to say about training camp, his matchup with Ruiz, and more.

On his recent training camp:

“I have started working with Robert Garcia as well as with my father after the Antonio DeMarco fight, and this camp has been very productive. I was in the gym with great fighters like Jose Ramirez, Mikey Garcia, Vergil Ortiz, you name it, I was sparring the best. I am driving two-hours round trip multiple times a-week to get the best work possible, and I know that everything I put into this camp from time, money and sacrifice, will show up on this huge stage. I’ll be fighting in my hometown of San Diego, with a lot of family and friends in attendance, so I’ll be ready for war.”

On his matchup with Angel Ruiz:

“I sparred him a few years back, I am not taking much from the sparring since it is just sparring, but I know what he brings to the table. He is a good fighter, and I am well-prepared to face a warrior like him. This is the biggest fight of my life, and I am looking to put on a show – and make my name known in the welterweight division. I will put it this way, I won’t be surprised by what he does in the ring on Friday night.”

On fighting on ESPN+:

“It is a great moment in my career. Thompson Boxing and Top Rank have done wonders for me, allowing me to fight on such great cards, and this feels like a big moment in my career, fighting at home, on television, with the world watching. I didn’t come this far just to come this far. I want this to be a memorable moment and having a great network like ESPN+ stream this fight, makes it even more special.”

On what a win will do for his career:

“A win puts me in the mix with a lot of good fighters. I don’t want to say anyone’s name just yet, but I have nearly 30 wins with no losses and am in one of the most stacked divisions in all of boxing, the welterweight division. I need to look like I belong on television and look like I am a main event fighter. If I look the part and perform how I should, I know my promoters will do their job and get me in with one of the best fighters in the world, but right now I must do my job on Friday.”

SAN DIEGO (September 14, 2021) — Mexico’s fighting cowboy is ready to roll into San Diego. Two-division kingpin Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete will defend his WBO featherweight world title against mandatory challenger Joet Gonzalez on Friday, Oct. 15 at Pechanga Arena San Diego.

In the 10-round welterweight co-feature, San Diego native Giovani Santillan makes his first hometown appearance in more than seven years against Angel “Relampago” Ruiz, the southpaw windmill from Culiacán, Mexico.

Navarrete-Gonzalez and Santillan-Ruiz will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at approximately 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. The undercard — also streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ — will feature middleweight prospect Javier “Milwaukee Made” Martinez (4-0, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder, undefeated 2016 Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (13-0, 12 KOs) in an eight-rounder at junior welterweight, and an eight-round junior lightweight battle between rising Puerto Rican prospect Henry “Moncho” Lebron (13-0, 9 KOs) and noted spoiler Manuel Rey Rojas (21-5, 6 KOs).

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $55 go on sale Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. PT and can be purchased by visiting AXS.com.

“Emanuel Navarrete never disappoints, as he’s a true Mexican warrior who fights in a crowd-pleasing style,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Joet Gonzalez earned his position as the mandatory challenger, and he has everything it takes to give Navarrete a formidable challenge. I am also thrilled that Giovani Santillan will get an opportunity to fight in front of the hometown fans in an excellent fight against Angel Ruiz.”

Navarrete (34-1, 29 KOs) is 8-0 with six knockouts in world title fights, a busy championship run that began in December 2018 with his dominant decision over Isaac Dogboe to win the WBO junior featherweight world title. Following five title defenses in nine months, Navarrete moved up to featherweight and bested Ruben Villa by unanimous decision last October to win the WBO world title. He defended that title in April and knocked out Christopher Diaz in the 12th round. Gonzalez (24-1, 14 KOs) fell short in his first world title opportunity in October 2019, losing a decision to pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson. He returned last September and handed a one-sided beating to three-time world title challenger Miguel Marriaga to earn his WBO No. 1 ranking.

“I am focused on winning this fight and defending my world title for the second time. I know that Joet Gonzalez is a good fighter. I respect him and he is also my mandatory challenger, but I am the champion, and I will show him why. This belt isn’t going anywhere,” Navarrete said. “I hope that my Mexican fans will support me in San Diego, and my fans from Tijuana can also come to the fight. I will give them a great fight, and it will be a great victory for all my Mexican people.”

Gonzalez said, “I am excited and thankful to receive a second world title opportunity, this time against a great Mexican warrior like Navarrete. I know I have what it takes to become a world champion, and I will show the world that on Oct. 15. No disrespect to Navarrete, but this is my time.”

Santillan (27-0, 15 KOs), born and raised in San Diego, first picked up a pair of gloves at 8 years old and fought nearly 80 amateur bouts before turning pro in 2012 in Temecula, California. Santillan rose the ranks fighting mostly in Southern California, but he’s made only one pro appearance in his hometown, a 2014 TKO over Osenohan Vazquez. In June 2020, he survived a razor-thin majority decision against former lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco. After a year-long layoff, he returned June 26 with a one-sided decision over Cecil McCalla. Ruiz (17-1, 12 KOs), a six-year pro, won the first 16 fights of his career before suffering a shocking second-round knockout loss to Javier Flores in October 2019. He came back in April 2021 and bullied the previously unbeaten Bobirzhan Mominov en route to an eight-round decision on a nationally televised card.

“As soon as I got the call, I was excited because this is something my dad and I talked about for a long time, being part of a big show in San Diego,” Santillan said. “Ruiz is a good fighter, a hungry guy, but I’m hungry as well. We actually sparred a few years back and did some rounds. It was good work. I can’t wait for Oct. 15. I’m going to perform for my family, my friends, and my city. This is an incredible opportunity.”

Lebron (13-0, 9 KOs), a southpaw who won Puerto Rican amateur national titles in 2015 and 2016 before turning pro, is coming off last August’s near-shutout decision over veteran Luis Porozo. One of his island nation’s most promising prospects, the 23-year-old has six knockouts in two rounds or less. Rojas (21-5, 6 KOs) has only been knocked out once as a pro and most recently won a one-sided decision over Tyler McCreary in June on a Top Rank card.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

SAN DIEGO, CA (June 28, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions’ undefeated welterweight, Giovani Santillan (27-0, 15 KOs), is seeking a top contender for his next fight after a victorious outing this past Saturday when he defeated Cecil McCalla (23-5, 10 KOs) by unanimous decision. The 8-round bout was promoted by Top Rank.

“Every fight I’m learning something new about myself and this fight was no different,” said Santillan. “It’s been over a year since I last fought before going into this fight, and I felt I shook off the rust nicely. Now that I got this fight out of the way, I’m ready to step up and face any top ten contenders in the welterweight division. My whole team is working hard to get me a big fight and I’ll be ready when my name is called.”

“Giovani is on the cusp of a big fight, and I know he’s ready for the next level of competition,” stated promoter Ken Thompson. “He’s showing time and time again that he has the grit to always come out on top, no matter who the opponent is. He gets the job done each and every time he steps in the ring. His future is bright.”

NEW YORK (June 28, 2021)–Four fighters under the Split-T Management banner kept their undefeated records in-tact with big wins throughout North America.

In Las Vegas, Welterweight contender Giovani Santillan took an eight-round unanimous decision from veteran Cecil McCalla at the Virgin Hotel.

Santillan of San Diego, boxed very well and dictated the pace throughout the contest.

McCalla proved to be a tough opponent, but Santillan was more effective but outlanding McCalla 146 to 102, and came home with the near-shutout victory by score of 80-72 twice and 79-73 to raise his mark to 27-0.

The fight was streamed on ESPN+.

Santillan is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, good looking prospect Diego Pacheco stopped Jesus Palomares in round six of a scheduled eight-round battle of undefeated super middleweights.

Pacheco dominated the fight with his boxing ability, and in round six he started to dominate and the fight was stopped after a hard uppercut at 2:17.

Pacheco, 167 lbs of Los Angeles is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Palomares, 167 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 7-1-1.

The fight was streamed on DAZN.

Pacheco is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

In Ashland, Kentucky, world-ranked junior middleweight Charles Conwell continued his winning ways, by pounding out an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Silverio Ortiz.

Conwell, who is ranked number-seven by the IBF, dropped Ortiz once in round five, and twice in round seven. Conwell of Cleveland, won by scores of 80-69 on all cards to raise his perfect mark to 15-0.

Conwell is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions.

On the same card, featherweight, Haven Brady Jr. stopped Nathan Benichou inside of a round.

Brady registered two knockdowns, and the fight was halted 93 seconds into the contest.

The 19 year-old Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, is now 3-0 with three knockouts.

Former world champion and pound-for-pound elite, Vasiliy Lomachenko stopped Masayoshi Nakatani in round nine of their scheduled 12-round lightweight bout at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas.

In round one, Lomachenko was cut on the middle of his forehead that was caused by a accidental headbutt. In round five, Lomachenko stepped around Nakatani and landed a left hand that put Nakatani on the deck.

Lomachenko was very accurate in his first fight back after losing his titles to Teofimo Lopez at the end of 2020. In round nine, Lomachenko landed a series of quick shots to the head that hurt Nakatani. Follow up hard combinations had the referee stop the fight at 1:48.

Lomachenko said, “I’m happy because I won. All the strategies that we developed with my team {worked}. I reached all my goals. I won and now I’m back on track.

“Everybody saw how I won this fight, and everybody is waiting for the rematch {with Lopez}, so let’s make a rematch.

“He has a fight in the future with {George} Kambosos, but how about after, in the beginning of next year? December, January, February, I am waiting.”

Added Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, “In case there was any doubt, Lomachenko proved he is still one of the very best fighters in the world. He is healthy and ready to fight any of the lightweights.”

Lomahenko, 134.6 lbs of Ukraine is 15-2 with 11 knockouts. Nakatani, 134.4 lbs of Osaka, JAP is 19-2.

Alimkhanuly stops Brant after 8

Janibek Alimkhanuly stopped former beltholder Rob Brant after round eight of their scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

In round six, a short left sent Brant to a knee. Alimkhanuly dominated the fight and Brant was never in the contest

Alimkhanuly said, “Tonight, I showed the world what ‘Qazaq Style’ is about. Rob Brant is a former world champion for a reason, but I came here to showcase my full arsenal, and that’s what I did.

“I am highly ranked, and I have the confidence to fight any middleweight in the world. I had a great training camp with Buddy McGirt, and this was the result of all the hard work we did in camp.” 

.Alimkhanuly, 159.6 lbs of Kazakhstan is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Brant, 159.6 lbs of St, Paul, MN is 26-3.Rpb

Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Cecil McCalla in a welterweight bout.

Santillan landed 168 of 469 punches; McCalla landed 109 of 500.

Santillan, 147.6 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 27-0. McCalla, 147.4 lbs of Randallstown, MD is 23-4.

Luis Fernando Saavedra won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Robert Rodriguez in a bantamweight fight.

Saavedra landed 92 of 296 punches; Rodriguez landed 86 of 290.

Saavedra, 118 lbs of Mexico won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55, and is now 9-6. Rodriguez, 118.8 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 9-1-1.

Floyd Diaz won a four-round unanimous decision over Jaime Josso in a bantamweight bout..

Diaz, 117.8 lbs of Las Vegas, won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Josso, 116.2 lbs of Laredo, TX is 2-1.

Guido Vianello stopped Marlon Williams in round two of their four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Vianello dropped Williams with a right to the body. Seconds later it was another right that put Williams down for a second time. When the bell rang to start round two, Williams did not look good, and the referee stopped the fight at the start of round two.

Vianello, 244 lbs of Rome, ITA is 8-0-1 with eight knockouts. Williams, 217.5 lbs of Lafayette, LA is 6-2.

Subaru Murata made a successful pro debut with a 2nd round stoppage over Kevin Monroy in a scheduled four-round junior featherweight contest.

In round two, Murata landed a booming left hook that sent Monroy to the deck, and the fight was stopped at 1:42.

Murata, 121.6 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 1-0 with one knockout. Monroy, 119.8 lbs of Stockton, CA is 1-2.

DeMichael Harris remained perfect as he stopped Jonoton Hernan Godoy after round three of a scheduled four-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Harris dropped Bodoy with a right to the temple. Later in the round, Body was dropped again with a right. At the end of the round, another right hand sent Bodoy down for a third time. The bout was stopped in the corner after the round.

Harris, 134.2 lbs of Cleveland is 4-0 with four knockouts. Godoy, 134.2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 5-9.

NEW YORK (June 25, 2021)–On Saturday, boxing’s top management company, Split-T Management will have four of it’s top fighters featured in bouts throughout North America.

At the Virgin Hotel In Las Vegas, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan battles Cecil McCalla in a 10-round bout.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, rising undefeated prospect Diego Pacheco takes on undefeated Jesus Palomares in an eight-round super middleweight fight.

In Ashland, Kentucky, world-ranked super welterweight Charles Cinwell takes on Silverio Ortiz, while Haven Brady Jr. takes on Nathan Benichou in a four-round featherweight bout.

Photo by Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images

Santillan, who is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank, has a record 26-0 with 15 knockouts. Santillan of San Diego, has wins over Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Hanyk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tienda (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kemeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1) and his last bout when defeated former world champion Antonio DeMarco on June 16, 2020 in Las Vegas.

McCalla of Randallstown, Maryland, has a record of 23-4 with 10 knockouts.

McCalla has defeated the likes of Ivan Zigar (1-0-1), Antonio Walls (2-0), John Mackey (11-2-1), Gary Lynch (4-0) and Oscar Godoy (13-2). McCalla has won two in a row, and is coming off of a 2nd round stoppage over Fidel Monterrosa Munoz on October 16th in Plant City, Florida.

Santillan weighed 147.6 lbs and McCalla was 147 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

The bout can be seen on ESPN+ at 7:15 PM.

Photo by Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

Pacheco of Los Angeles is 11-0 with eight knockouts.

The 20 year-old Pacheco will be facing his 5th undefeated foe of his three-year career. He already has wins over Felix Aguilar, Guillermo Maldonado, Jose Esparza and Terry Ferandez. Pacheco also has a 2nd round stoppage over Juan Antonio Mendez (12-2). Pacheco is coming off a unanimous decision over Rodolfo Gomez Jr. on February 21st in Miami.

Palomares of Sonora, Mexico is 7-0-1 with four knockouts, and has defeated two undefeated opponents in his last two bouts. He has a 2nd round stoppage over Christian Hermosillo (3-0) and in his last bout Palomares won a unanimous decision over Jaime Portillo on November 19th in Sonora, Mexico.

Both Pacheco and Palomares were 167 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in

In Ashland, Kentucky Conwell and Brady were able to book fights following bouts being postponed in Miami.

Conwell of Cleveland is ranked number-seven by the IBF, has a record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts,

The 2016 United States Olympian is the USBA champion, who has made three defenses has wins over Roque Zeoeda (4-1-3), Travis Scott (19-3), His USBA title winning effort over Courtney Pennington (12-3-3) and defenses over undefeated Webdy Toussaint (12-0) and Madiyar Ashkeyev (14-0).

Conwell, who is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions checked in at 158 lbs.

Ortiz of Yucitan, Mexico has a record of 37-26 with 18 knockouts, and is a 21 year veteran,

He has fought many world champions and title challengers and has sprung upsets over Daniel Seda, Miguel Angel Huerta, Mian Hussein and Ramzan Baysarov

Brady of Albany, Georgia is 2-0 with both wins coming via knockout. He weighed 128 lbs.

The 19 year-old Brady, who is promoted by Top Rank, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over Michael Land on December 12th in Las Vegas.

Benichou of Puebla, Mexico has a record of 2-4 with two knockouts.

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 24, 2021) – Thompson Boxing Promotions’ undefeated super welterweight contender, Giovani Santillan (26-0, 15 KOs), returns to the ring this Saturday, June 26, 2021, against Cecil McCalla (23-4, 10 KOs). The 10-round bout, promoted by Top Rank, takes place in Las Vegas on the undercard of Vasily Lomachenko vs. Masayoshi Nakatani. Santillan-McCalla will be among the undercard bouts streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT.

Santillan, who will be making his 2021 debut, feels confident going into this bout after having a great training camp.

“I put in a lot of hard work with my team and took my strength and conditioning to new levels,” said Santillan. “I’m feeling extremely confident that I’ll be able to perform at a very high level in every round because I made all the needed sacrifices to be in the best shape of my life. I want to leave no doubt in the judge’s minds with an electrifying performance, and my mind will be on stopping McCalla before the final bell rings. I’m looking to steal the show.”

“Giovanni is really focused for this fight,” stated promoter Ken Thompson. “He’s on the verge of landing a big fight and a victory will solidify him as a top contender, one who will be eligible to fight for a world title soon. We are proud of his accomplishments and want to see him shine this Saturday.”

LAS VEGAS (June 22, 2021) — After a close call in his last fight, Giovani Santillan is set to add to his name to the ranks of the top welterweight contenders. Santillan will return from a yearlong layoff to fight seasoned pro Cecil McCalla in a crossroads battle scheduled for eight or 10 rounds this Saturday, June 26 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
 
Santillan-McCalla will be among the undercard bouts streaming live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 7:15 p.m. ET/4:15 p.m. PT.
 
The return of former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko in a 12-round lightweight bout against Masayoshi Nakatani, and a 10-round middleweight contest between unbeaten sensation Janibek “Qazaq Style” Alimkhanuly and former world champion Rob “Bravo” Brant will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $75 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting Etix.com.
 
The San Diego-born Santillan (26-0, 15 KOs) developed his craft on the Southern California club show circuit, and the 29-year-old is now a welterweight contender closing in on a world title opportunity. He last fought on June 16, 2020, escaping via majority decision over former lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco in a pitched two-way battle. It represented the closest call of the southpaw’s career, and he hopes to put forth a more dominating effort against McCalla (23-4, 10 KOs), a 13-year pro who has never been stopped in the paid ranks. McCalla, from Maryland, has won two straight bouts since a decision defeat to Madiyar Ashkeyev.
 
In other undercard action on ESPN+:

• Heavyweight knockout artist Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (7-0-1, 7 KOs), a 2016 Italian Olympian, makes his return against Marlon Williams (6-1, 3 KOs) in a bout scheduled for four rounds. Vianello hopes to bounce back from last October’s draw to Bubble fan-favorite Kingsley Ibeh.
   
• Bantamweight puncher Robert “Biggie” Rodriguez (9-0-1, 5 KOs), who shined with a pair of devastating knockouts last year inside the MGM Grand Las Vegas Bubble, will fight Mexican veteran Luis Fernando Saavedra (8-6, 3 KOs) in a six-rounder. Saavedra last fought in February 2019, when he bested the previously undefeated Mario Hernandez over eight rounds.
   
• One of Japan’s most promising young fighters, Subaru Murata, will make his professional debut in a four-round junior featherweight tilt against Keven Monroy (1-1, 1 KO). Murata had a reported 68-12 amateur record and defeated the likes of undefeated bantamweight contender Lee McGregor.
   
• Flashy bantamweight prospect Floyd “Cashflow” Diaz (1-0), who turned pro in February, returns against fellow unbeaten Jaime Jasso (2-0) in a four-rounder. Diaz, from Las Vegas, was mentored by Floyd Mayweather Jr. as an amateur and is managed by James Prince.

About Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is a reimagined and re-conceptualized casino resort. The property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The integrated resort intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; 24 Oxford showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s One Steakhouse, Kassi Beach House from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Justin Massei and Mikis Troyan of Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room and Funny Library Coffee Shop. The property is owned by JC Hospitality, LLC, in partnership with Juniper Capital Partners, Virgin Group, LiUNA, Fengate Asset Management, Dream and Orlando Development. The off-Strip playground is located at 4455 Paradise Road. For more information, visit www.virginhotelslv.com.
 
About Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is a lifestyle hospitality brand that combines heartfelt service, straightforward value, and a seamless, personalized hotel experience with the track record of innovation and smart disruption that Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group has pioneered for 50 years. Each property intermixes a passion for food and beverage with music and culture, fusing with the local landscape and providing a vibrant and inclusive environment for travelers and locals alike. Virgin Hotels Chicago – named the “#1 Hotel in the United States” in 2016 and “#1 Hotel in Chicago” in 2016, 2017, and 2020 by the Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards – Virgin Hotels Dallas – named the “#16 Hotel in Texas” – Virgin Hotels Nashville and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas are now open. Locations in New York, New Orleans, Miami, Edinburgh and Glasgow to follow. Virgin Hotels continues to explore hotel and office conversions and ground-up development in Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, Seattle, and London.
 
About Curio Collection by Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is a global portfolio of nearly 100 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Curio Collection properties offer travelers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities, while providing the benefits of Hilton and its award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors. Read the latest brand and hotel stories at newsroom.hilton.com/curio, and connect with Curio Collection on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
 
About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 13.8 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). 
 
About ESPN
ESPN, the world’s leading sports entertainment brand, features nine U.S. television networks, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.  ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc. (an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company) and 20 percent by Hears

NEW YORK (June 17, 2020) -Split-T Management welterweight Giovani Santillan remained undefeated as he showed his grit by winning a 10-round majority decision over former world champion Antonio DeMarco on Tuesday night at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The bout was the co-feature bout of a Top Rank promoted card.

It was a battle that was fought mostly at close-quarters, with Santillan getting credit for lading the more telling blows, and he was able to take the victory by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95 to raise his perfect mark to 26-0.

“I knew it was a close fight, but I felt like I did enough solid work in there to pull out the win,” Santillan said. “He never hurt me at any point in the fight, but he used his experience in there. He’s a former world champion who has been in there with the best of the best. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible and use this experience to my advantage.”

Santillan is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Mike Plania won a 10-round majority decision over world-ranked Joshua Greer in a bantamweight bout at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In round one, Plania landed a quick and hard left hook that dumped Greer to the canvas.

In round six, it was another whipping left hook to the jaw that put Greer down for a 2nd time. Plania out-landed Greer 119-96/

Plania, 119.5 lbs of General Santos City, PHL won by scores of 97-91, 96-92 and 94-94 to raise his mark to 24-1. Greer, 120 lbs of Chicago is 22-2-1.

“This win is going to change my life,” Plania said. “I thought I could knock him out after the knockdown in the first round, but he was tough and adjusted his strategy.

“I took this fight on only three weeks’ notice, but I had faith in God that I could win.”

Giovani Santillan remained undefeated with a 10-round majority decision over former lightweight champion Antonio DeMarco in a welterweight bout.

In round eight, Santillan began to bleed from his nose.

Santillan was outlanded 159-150, but came home with the victory by scores of 96-94 twice and 95-95.

Santillan, 148 lbs of San Diego is 26-0. DeMarco, 147 lbs of Tijuana, MX is now 33-9-1.

“I knew it was a close fight, but I felt like I did enough solid work in there to pull out the win,” Santillan said. “He never hurt me at any point in the fight, but he used his experience in there. He’s a former world champion who has been in there with the best of the best. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible and use this experience to my advantage.”

Nikoloz Sekhniashvili won a six-round unanimous decision over Isiah Jones in a middleweight bout.

Sekhniashvili out-landed Jones 95-39.

Sekhniashvili, 159.25 lbs of Sherman Oaks, CA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 6-0. Jones, 158.25 lbs of Detroit, MI is 8-2.

Hector Perez won a six-round unanimous decision over Juan Torres in a heavyweight bout.

Perez, 221 lbs of Tamarac, FL won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 twice, and is now 7-2. Torres, 250 lbs of Cypress, TX is 5-3-1.

Bobirzhan Mominov won a six-round uanimous decision over Cameron Krael in a super welterweight contest.

In round six, Mominov was deducted a point for hitting behind the head.

That was not enough as Mominov won by scores of 58-55 twice and 58-56.

Mominov, 152 lbs of Kissimmee, FL is 11-0. Krael, 147.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 17-16-3.

NEW YORK (June 16, 2020) – TONIGHT!!! Two members of the Split-T Management stable will be in action on at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In the opening co-feature bout, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan will take on former lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

In a six-round middleweight bout, Split-T Management’s Isiah Jones takes on undefeated Nikoloz Sekhniashvili.

The fights will be televised live on ESPN beginning at 8 PM ET.

Santillan of San Diego has a record of 25-0 with 15 knockouts, and will be making his 2020 debut.

The 28 year-old has amassed wins over the likes of Peter Haro (2-0), Michael Balasi (10-2), Daniyar Hanyk (10-0), Osenohan Vazquez (7-1-1), Eduardo Rivera (9-1-2), Ernesto Ortiz (10-2), Omar Tienda (18-3), Sammy Valentin (12-0), Dodzi Kemeh (19-1), Alejandro Barboza (11-1) and in his bout when he stopped Wilfredo Buelvas in two rounds on November 22nd in Ontario, California.

DeMarco (33-8-1, 24 KOs) of Los Mochis, Mexico is a 16 year-veteran who won the WBC Interim Lightweight title on October 31, 2009 with a 10th round stoppage over Jose Alfaro. He then went on to win the WBC Lightweight title with an 11th round stoppage over Jorge Linares. He defended the title twice with stoppage victories over Miguel Roman and John Molina Jr.

Santillan was 148 pounds at Monday’s weigh-in. DeMarco was 147 pounds.

The classy DeMarco also has wins over Nick Casal (16-1-1), Juan Casteneda Jr. (12-0), Kid Diamond (27-1-1), Anges Adjaho (25-1) and Eddie Ramirez (17-0). DeMarco is coming off a loss to Jamal James on July 13, 2019 in Minneapolis.

Interview with undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan
Interview with undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan

Jones of Detroit, Michigan, is advised by Carlos Llinas, and has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts.

The 25 year-old won his first eight bouts which was highlighted by a win over previously undefeated Anthony Wade (4-0).

Sekhniashvili of Sherman Oaks, California via The Georgia Republic has a record of 5-0 with four knockouts.

Jones was 158.3 pounds at Monday’s weigh-in. Sekhniashvili was 159.25 lbs.

Photos by Mikey Williams/Top Rank

ORANGE, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Giovani Santillan (25-0, 15 KO), who is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Top Rank Inc., will face former world champion Antonio DeMarco (33-8-1, 24 KOs), on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 on ESPN. The 10-round bout will serve as the co-main event for Joshua Greer Jr. (22-1-1, 12 KOs) versus Mike Plania (23-1, 12 KOs). The Top Rank broadcast will start on ESPN beginning at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

Here is what Giovani Santillan had to say about his training camp and more:

On his recent training camp

“I did my whole training camp in my hometown of San Diego, CA, with my dad Guillermo Santillan who is my head trainer. We are very blessed to have Danny Perez as a second in the corner. Together we have a great game plan put in place to face DeMarco, who is a crafty southpaw. All the sparring is done now and I’m in the best shape of my career. I’m fully prepared to go the distance if need be.”

On facing the toughest opponent of his career, former world champion Antonio DeMarco

“I am extremely focused going into this fight. Antonio DeMarco is the hardest fight of my career, and I want to be as prepared as possible. DeMarco is a true veteran with a lot of power. He has twice as many professional fights as me, so I know this is a major step up fight. I want to show the world that I am an elite fighter worthy of a top 15 ranking.”

On fighting on ESPN

“These times have been very tough, and I am glad that my promoters, Top Rank and Thompson Boxing, have given me this opportunity to fight on ESPN. It’s is a massive platform for me fighting in front of millions of people, and I am looking to take full advantage of it by putting on an exciting action-packed performance. Everyone will know my name after this fight.”

On signing with Top Rank

“I want to thank Ken Thompson and Alex Camponovo for believing in me, as well as my manager Dave MacWater. Thompson Boxing is a family business and they take care of their fighters very well. I’m blessed to now have a co-promotional agreement with Top Rank and thanks to them I am now on ESPN, the leader in sports. Top Rank has a history of building some of the biggest stars in the sport of boxing, and I feel I have the perfect team behind me to get me into contention for a world title.”

On what a win will do for his career

“A win against DeMarco will change my life. It will mean I would’ve won a fight against a former world champion on national television when hardly anything live is occurring. A lot of people are watching these fights, and I believe this will put me in contention to fight for a world title. I want to get a ranking in the top 15 of any of the major sanctioning body to be considered as a world title challenger, and defeating Antonio DeMarco will be a great step in that direction.”

NEW YORK (November 26, 2019)- New Split-T Management signee, Giovani Santillan took out Wilfredo Buelvas in round two of a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout in the headline bout on Friday night at the Doubletree in Ontario, California.

In round two, Santillan scored a hard knockdown when he landed a big right-left combination. Seconds later, it was another massive right-left combination that sent Buelvas down and out at 2:31.

Santillan, 146.2 lbs of San Diego, California is now 25-0 with 15 knockouts. Buelvas, 147 lbs of Colombia is 20-13.

“In the first round I was trying to get my timing right,” Santillan said. “Thirty seconds into the second round, I knew I had him so I pressed him. After the second knockdown I knew he wasn’t going to get up.”

“I’m punching a lot harder at this weight,” said Santillan, a native of San Diego, Calif. “I felt my punches were a little too wide in that first round so I tried to tighten them up. I felt a lot more comfortable in the second and I was able to time Buelvas and anticipate which way he would be leaning. I saw the opening and I took it.”

Santillan is promoted by Thompson Boxing.

Photos by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Giovani Santillan took out Wilfredo Buelvas in round two of a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout in the headline bout at the Doubletree in Ontario, California

In round two, Santillan scored a hard knockdown when he landed a big right-left combination. Seconds later, it was another massive right-left combination that sent Buelvas down and out at 2:31.

Santillan, 146.2 lbs of San Diego, California is now 25-0 with 15 knockouts. Buelvas, 147 lbs of Colombia is 20-13.

“In the first round I was trying to get my timing right,” Santillan said. “Thirty seconds into the second round, I knew I had him so I pressed him. After the second knockdown I knew he wasn’t going to get up.”

“I’m punching a lot harder at this weight,” said Santillan, a native of San Diego, Calif. “I felt my punches were a little too wide in that first round so I tried to tighten them up. I felt a lot more comfortable in the second and I was able to time Buelvas and anticipate which way he would be leaning. I saw the opening and I took it.”

Roberto Torres took out Eduardo Leonel Rodriguez in the 1st round of their scheduled eight-round junior welterweight fight.

Torres rocked and dropped Rodriguez with a hard right that was riled a slip. Torres then landed wicked right that was followed by two hard shots, and the bout was stopped at 2:53.

Torres, 136.2 lbs of South Central Los Angeles is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Rodriguez, 137 of Mexico is 8-2-1/

Roberto Meza won an eight-round majority decision over Alberto Torres in a featherweight contest.

Meza, 127 lbs of Temecula, CA won by scores of 78-74 twice and is now 13-2-1. Torres, 124.9 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 11-3-3.

Jose Sanchez stopped Brandon Jimenez in round two of their scheduled six-round featherweight bout.

Sanchez battered Jimenez on the ropes until the fight was stopped at

Sanchez, 124.8 lbs of Cathedral City, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Jimenez, 123.7 lbs of Mexico is 5-1.

Saul Bustos remained undefeated by stopping Antonio Duarte after round three of a scheduled six-round super lightweight bout.

Bustos of South El Monte, CA is now 11-0-1 with six knockouts. Duarte is 2-2.

ORANGE, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2019) – Thompson Boxing Promotions showcases two of its brightest unbeaten talents in its closing show of the year this Friday, Nov. 22, from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif.

In the main event, undefeated welterweight Giovani Santillan (24-0, 14 KOs) weighed in at 146.2 lbs., while opponent Wilfrido Buelvas (20-12, 14 KOs) weighed 147 lbs.

In the co-feature, lightweight prospect Ruben Torres (10-0, 8 KOs) weighed 136.2 lbs. and Eduardo Rodriguez (8-1-1, 3 KOs) measured 137 lbs.

WEIGHTS

Giovani Santillan, 146.2 lbs. vs. Wilfrido Buelvas, 147 lbs. (8-rounds)
Ruben Torres, 136.2 lbs. vs. Eduardo Rodriguez, 137 lb.s (8-rounds)
Roberto Meza, 127 lbs. vs. Alberto Torres, 124.9 lbs. (8-rounds)
Saul Bustos, 146.9 lbs. vs. Antonio Duarte, 150.4 lbs.( 6-rounds)
Jose Sanchez, 124.8 lbs. vs. Brandon Jimenez, 123.7 lbs. (6-rounds)

Tickets for “Locked n’ Loaded” are available for purchase at the will call booth from the Doubletree Ontario starting at 5:30 p.m. PT this Friday, Nov. 22, starting at 5:30 p.m. PT.

All fights will be streamed live on TB Presents: Locked n’ Loaded via our Facebook page, YouTube channel and ThompsonBoxing.com. Beto Duran will handle blow-by-blow duties, while Doug Fischer provides expert, color commentary.

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave, Ontario, CA 91764 and can be reached at 909-937-0900.

“Locked n’ Loaded” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Everlast.

For more information, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com.

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.