Yan Santana has made it a degree to hearken to recommendation given by one of many best fighters in current reminiscence.
Up to now, that recommendation has paid off – and extra.
Santana, one of many prime prospects in boxing, will face Brandon Valdes tonight on the James L. Knight Middle in Miami Seashore, Florida. The ten-round featherweight bout will happen on the undercard of the Teofimo Lopez-Steve Claggett world title battle and can stream stay on ESPN Plus (5:45 p.m. ET/ 2:45 p.m. PT).
At Friday’s weigh-in, each fighters weighed in at 127 kilos.
The 24-year-old Santana (11-0, 11 knockouts), who resides in La Romana within the Dominican Republic, final fought on April 6, stopping Rodolfo Hernandez Montoya within the fourth spherical. In his earlier battle on November 10, Santana knocked out Ernesto Franzolini within the third spherical.
Santana has fought as excessive as 133 kilos, with a majority of his fights happening at or close to 130 kilos. After discussions along with his crew, Santana believes it was greatest to marketing campaign at 126 kilos.
“I do really feel stronger at 130 kilos, however I feel it’s greatest to battle as a featherweight,” Santana advised The Ring Wednesday. “I do really feel comfy, harmful and agile at 126 kilos.
“I ready for this coaching camp. We’re approaching this, spherical by spherical. I’m not on the lookout for the knockout, but when the chance comes and it’s there, I’ll go for it.”
Santana lately signed a promotional cope with Cotto Promotions. He has had the fortune of staying busy, having fought 4 occasions in 2023.
Having Miguel Cotto, a former world titleholder in a number of weight courses, promote him is one factor, however to have Cotto sit ringside for his fights and supply steering for his profession has been useful for Santana.
“It’s been a privilege and an honor to be promoted by Miguel Cotto,” stated Santana, who’s managed by David McWater. “He has seen my expertise. I’m a really humble individual, so I really feel grateful for the chance he has given me. He additionally personally reaches out to me and offers me nice recommendation, whether or not it’s about boxing or life, normally. He’s a fantastic individual.
“I’ve discovered so much since going to Puerto Rico to coach. The game has come pure to me. I’ve improved so much, totally on my lateral motion. The situation has all the time been there due to my dedication to the game.
Santana hopes to affix a number of fighters from the Dominican Republic who’ve discovered success on the contender and elite stage of the game. Carlos Adames and Alberto Puello presently have world title belts, Hector Garcia is a former world titleholder at 130 kilos and Erick Rosa is a contender within the decrease weight courses.
Unbeaten middleweight Euri Cedeño can also be preventing on the High Rank card. Santana believes Dominican fighters would add nice worth to any promotional firm.
“Dominican Boxing is relishing in its second,” stated Santana. “It’s nice. The success of fighters from the Dominican Republic reveals due to our self-discipline within the gymnasium. All we’d like are these levels and platforms, which I’m very lucky to have with Cotto Promotions.
“I like preventing typically and, if I may, I’d battle each month. That’s what I’d need. It retains me, and different fighters motivated. Dominican fighters work exhausting within the gymnasium and we’re very devoted.”
After a embellished novice profession, Santana believes the most effective is but to come back as a prizefighter. He appreciates the chance to battle on an ESPN platform to showcase his skillset.
“I gained tournaments as an novice. I believed I’d have a possibility within the Olympics, however the COVID pandemic got here. The Dominican crew determined to take fighters that I beat within the novice ranks.
“It’s nice getting the kind of alternative I get for (Saturday). I’m going to grab this and take advantage of it. God has given me this expertise and I’m very motivated to do my half and win impressively.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He will be reached at [email protected]