Protagonists Junior Bajawa (2nd from left) and Jeo “ Santino” Santisima (3rd from left) pose in a press conference for Saturday’s main event of the “IDOL 2 Boxing Series” at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex. The two boxers are joined by their trainers and officials of the ALA Promotions. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
JEO “Santino” Santisima is touted to follow in the footsteps of the top boxers that the ALA Boxing Gym has produced.
Whether he can live up to expectations will be known on Saturday as the Masbate City native takes on a battle-tested Indonesian opponent in the main event of the “IDOL 2 Boxing Series” at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
The 20-year-old Santisima vowed to put up an impressive performance against the journeyman Bajawa, who has fought several Filipino and foreign boxers in his career.
Santisima was impressive in his last outing against Thailander Terdchai Duwangmontree last April.
“My last foreign opponent was a Thai, and I knocked him out in the first round, I think I can do the same on Saturday. I’ll try my best to give boxing fans a wonderful fight,” said Santisima in a press briefing yesterday at the Golden Prince Hotel.
Santisima has 10 wins and two losses. All but one of his victories came by way of knockout.
“Unlike the other boxers I’ve trained, Jeo has the heart, but he’s got a lot to improve. If he’s willing to learn then he’s got a bright future ahead,” said Santisima’s trainer Michael Domingo, a former ALA Boxing Gym fighter who contended for a world title twice.
Bajawa (14W, 8L, 7KOs) is out to spoil Santisima’s plans.
His trainer Leo Daroguthni said they have already studied Santisima’s style and weaknesses as they expressed optimism of winning the fight scheduled for 10 rounds under the 122-pound division.
Bajawa’s last Filipino opponent was former world title challenger AJ Banal in Manila. The fight went the distance before Banal escaped with a unanimous decision victory.
Also present in the press briefing was the unbeaten Melvin “Gringo” Jerusalem, who will face WBC International Light Flyweight Champion Jonathan Refugio (15-4-4, 3KOs) .
“I can fight him toe-to-toe. I’ve watched his videos, and I think (Florante) Condes is better than him,” said Jerusalem (9-0,7KOs), who fought former world champion Florante Condes earlier this year and won by unanimous decision.
Undercard bout
To be featured in the undercard fight are Jess Rhey Waminal versus Jeo Tejones; Virgel Vitor against Paul Varona, Esneth Domingo versus Elmer Liboon and Lawrence Ladrada against Thomas Rebusit.
The official weigh-in will be held at the J-Center Mall Atrium at 11:00 today./REPORTER GLENDALE G. ROSAL