By Nick Giongco
JEO Santisima is up against a formidable foe many believe will be just too good and too powerful for the Filipino challenger when they collide on Feb. 22 in Las Vegas.
According to Santisima, who was handpicked to battle Mexican Emanuel Navarrete for the World Boxing Organization super-bantamweight crown, he admits being the overwhelming underdog but insists that he has what it takes to make heads turn.
“I heard and read the news that this fight is a mismatch, but I will do my best to give a great fight,” said Santisima, who comes from the ALA Boxing Club of Cebu.
Born and bred in Masbate, Santisima holds a 19-2 record with 16 KOs and will have his hands full against Navarrete, who holds a 30-1 card with 26 KOs.
Navarrete is making the fifth defense of the WBO 122-lb title and one of his title defense victims was Juan Miguel Elorde, who got blasted out in four rounds.
But Santisima is unfazed.
“I really appreciate this opportunity, as this has been my dream since I was a kid. For this fight, I will train and prepare to become the new champion,” added Santisima, who is on a 17-fight winning streak stretching back to 2014.
