In a breathtaking main event showdown, San Diego’s very own Giovani Santillan (32-0, 17 KOs) remained unbeaten, swiping the NABO Welterweight Title from Alexis “Lex” Rocha of Santa Ana (23-2, 15 KOs). Over 12 rounds, Santillan dealt Rocha his inaugural career defeat via knockout. He systematically wore Rocha down, causing him to hit the canvas twice in the fifth. But the pivotal moment came in the sixth when a series of precise right hooks and left uppercuts by Santillan brought the fight to a halt at 1:13. This exciting evening was organized in collaboration with Top Rank, showcased at the Kia Forum, and aired on DAZN.
Giovani Santillan beamed, “Feeling on top of the world. This is exactly what we aimed for. One can never predict the outcome of these fights.” He continued with respectable words for his opponent, “Alexis is a top-contender in the division. He rose twice, and this was the first time anyone’s stopped him! The energy shifts when you’re not the favored side. But with fans and supporters like his, boxing remains an electrifying sport. 2024 is shaping up brilliantly for me.”
Alexis Rocha responded, “Apologies to all my supporters. I promise a comeback.”
In another exciting fight, John “Scrappy” Ramirez (13-0, 9 KOs) clinched victory in the fourth round of a WBA Super Flyweight Title Eliminator, defeating Ronal Batista (15-4, 9 KOs). A crowd-pleaser, Ramirez generously distributed popcorn to his supporters, marking one of the evening’s memorable performances. Batista faced the ground in the fourth, with Ramirez concluding the fight with a body-shattering left hook.
The confident Scrappy Ramirez remarked, “I took my time with him. Wanted to savor the moment but decided to finish the job.” He added, “It’s about staying sharp and adapting.”
Also showcased on DAZN, in a 10-round fight that lasted to the last bell, Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval of Rialto (23-2, 16 KOs) narrowly secured a unanimous decision win against Victor Sandoval (37-4, 23 KOs). Both flyweights showcased their skill, trading powerful punches throughout. Yet, “El Niño” had the upper hand with scores reading 97-93, 97-93, and 96-94.
Gabriela Fundora from the Coachella Valley (12-0, 5 KOs) also shined, preserving her unblemished record and grabbing the IBF Flyweight Title. She faced off against Arely “Ametralladora” Muciño (32-4-2, 11 KOs) from Monterrey, Mexico. Fundora capitalized on her reach, knocking Muciño down twice in the fifth. The fight concluded prematurely at 1:18 in the fifth when Muciño’s corner threw in the towel, recognizing her compromised state.
The broadcast commenced with an astonishing display by Joeshon James (8-0-2, 5 KOs) of Sacramento, California. He stunned everyone with a first-round knockout win, stopping David “Dynamite” Stevens (13-1, 9 KOs). Stevens met the floor twice, and the referee decided the outcome in the closing moments.
To open the night, decorated national champ from San Fernando, Iyana “Roxy” Verduzco (1-0) marked her professional entrance with a victory in a thrilling four-round lightweight contest against Clarice Morales (0-3-1) of Toledo, Ohio. .