Regardless of overcoming a number of pre-fight distractions and challenges within the weeks and months main as much as his title-winning victory over legendary four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire, newly topped WBC World Bantamweight Champion Alexandro “Peque” Santiago says the actually troublesome a part of his veteran profession begins now.
Combating on the televised undercard of the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford pay-per-view superfight on Saturday, July 29 on the T-Cell Enviornment in Las Vegas, Santiago (28-3-5, 14 KOs), from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, notched a unanimous choice victory over “The Filipino Flash” Donaire by scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 116-112.
The victory was made much more spectacular by the truth that Santiago educated for the combat whereas additionally welcoming the beginning of his son lower than two months earlier, the combat being rescheduled from its unique date of July 15 final minute, and his household duplex partially burning down on June 30.
“It was an accident,” defined Santiago. “The highest flooring of the home, the place my family had been staying, burned down. I stay with my mother and father proper now and, fortunately, the firefighters had been capable of cease the fireplace earlier than it obtained to the primary flooring.”
Santiago, who has needed to endure at least 5 controversial attracts in his 10-year profession, together with one in opposition to then IBF junior bantamweight titlist Jerwin Ancajas for the title in September 2018, says that nothing thrown his means was going to have an effect on his second probability at a world title.
“The hearth began near 1 am within the morning. The subsequent day I used to be purported to go to San Diego to spar, however we needed to cancel so I might assist with the restoration of the salvageable a part of the home and to make our half livable once more. However, I used to be so centered, I didn’t enable myself to be affected as a result of I wished to win the title and nothing would cease me. I’ve at all times been on the B aspect and that’s why I’m at all times so hungry and ready to the very best of my capability it doesn’t matter what occurs. It makes no distinction to me.
The 27-year-old Santiago says he loved a welcoming reception upon returning house from the victory.
“Loads of my household couldn’t journey to observe the combat, so it was a tremendous reception all people was on the road ready for me. I felt this overwhelming pleasure they had been so happy with me. I labored so laborious most of my life and it’s a tremendous feeling to have achieved this lastly.
“However,” continued Santiago, “now that I’ve been capable of obtain my dream and win the title, I’ll work even more durable to have the ability to preserve it. I at all times need to be champion. I do know I have to work even more durable now to make that occur.”
“Alex is likely one of the most devoted fighters I’ve ever labored with,” stated his long-time promoter Paco Damian. “He has a tremendous capability to remain centered, it doesn’t matter what occurs. He will get a foul choice in a combat he gained? He works more durable. His home burns down throughout coaching camp? He works more durable. Nothing stops Alex from reaching his targets and that’s what makes him particular.”
“He deserves to be champion for all of the issues he’s conquered to get right here,” added co-promoter Sampson Lewkowicz. “Think about coaching for a world-title combat whereas your home is half-burned. That’s why he’s the place he’s and that’s why he’ll be on the prime for a very long time to return.”
“My precedence proper now’s to assist my dad rebuild the portion that burned down and keep centered and humble and work laborious to keep up this title, in order that sooner or later, I’ve sufficient to purchase a home for my spouse and son,” concluded Santiago.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and in addition a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.