Underdog Santisima seeks upset in WBO title quest

ALA Boxing Gym stalwart Jeo Santisima (19-2, 16KOs) guns for a huge upset as he takes on Mexican world champion Emanuel Navarrete (30-1, 26KOs) for the WBO super bantamweight belt in the undercard of the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury II today at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

In his first shot at the world title, the 23-year old Santisima looks to shock the boxing world as he vowed to dethrone the dangerous Mexican.

“I will double my focus.

He is a dangerous opponent so I need to calculate my moves. If I can see an opening, I will go for a knockdown or a knockout. He is the champion but I believe in my training that I can do it,” said the pride of Masbate City.

Santisima is aware that the Mexican has the advantage when it comes to experience having to defeat former bantamweight kings Isaac Dogboe and Francisco Horta.

Navarrete was also the one who gave Filipino prospect Juan Miguel Elorde his first loss last year also in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Santisima’s recent victory was against journeyman Rene Dacquel whom he demolished easily last December in Bogo City.

For his part, ALA Promotions President Michael Aldeguer said that he believes in his ward’s chances against the more favored Navarette.

“Jeo can match him (Navarette) in terms of power, but he needs to be careful. I trust Jeo and I know he has the heart and skills to pull this off. He is conditioned and he is ready even if the fight goes the distance,” said Aldeguer. —