THE country’s top super bantamweight prospect, Jeo “Santino” Santisima faces an acid test in undefeated Tanzanian Goodluck Mrema when they tangle in the co-main event of the much anticipated Pinoy Pride 41: New Generation Warriors on July 8 at the Ic3 Convention Center in Mabolo, Cebu City.
According to ALA Promotions International CEO Michael P. Aldeguer, the fight will determine if Santisima (13-2-0, 11KOs) is ready to take on bigger names in his division or even book a world title fight.
The 21-year-old Masbate City native however, expressed readiness to take on his promoter’s challenge. “I am confident that I can win this fight. I know that this is a very tough challenge for me but I know that I can win because I am training very hard for this fight,” Santisima told CDN.
Santisima said he is unfazed by Mrema’s unbeaten record of 16 wins with eight knockouts. “I have not watched his fight tapes but I know that I can beat him. I am confident of my training and I am confident of my boxing skills,” added Santisima.
He also revealed that he feels no pressure despite being the co-main event fighter for the first time. His fight against Mrema is a 10-rounder non title bout. “I am always ready for a championship fight and if I win this one, I will finally get to make that dream come true that’s why I will do my very best for this fight,” said Santisima.
Mrema, a 22-year-old pro boxer has won his last three fights by knockout and owns a 50 percent knockout percentage while Santisima has a higher knockout percentage of 73 percent and is currently ranked No. 4 bantamweight by the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF).
The card’s main event features Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (16-0-0, 12KOs) who will defend his WBO International featherweight strap against former world title challenger Daniel “El General” Diaz (23-7-2, 15KOs) of Nicaragua.