Unbeaten welterweight contender Giovanni “Gallo de Oro” Santillan (21-0, 11 KOs) will challenge NABO Champion and local favorite “Hurricane” Sammy Valentin (12-0, 9 KOs) this Friday at the A La Carte Pavillion in Tampa, Florida.

The main event bout will be the season opener of “Boxeo Telemundo Ford” Summer edition. Santillan will be in tough vs the unbeaten Valentin in his backyard but he is confident none the less of victory.

Where are you from?

I am born and raised in San Diego, California. I have fought often a few hours away in Ontario where my promoter has kept me very active.

Is this your first time fighting in a nationally televised fight?

This is my first time fighting in a nationally televised fight as the main event. It really has had me extremely motivated in training knowing that so many people will be seeing me fight for the first time.

Have you seen Valentin fight? If so what advantages do you see for yourself?

I have not seen him fight live, but I have seen him on video. If I had to point out one advantage for me I would say it is my having more professional fights than him. Professional fight experience is very important.

What is your style of fighting for those who have not seen you fight?

I consider myself a boxer and a puncher. I am a complete fighter.

Though you have more fights this is considered a step up for you by some. Why do you feel the time is right now at this point in your career?

I think the timing is perfect. We’re both young unbeaten fighters looking to move to that next level. I can’t wait for that bell to ring Friday night.

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Doors open at 7PM, first fight 8:00 PM. The A La Carte Pavilion is located @ 4050 Dana Shore Drive, Tampa, FL. For Information and Tickets call 813-454-7800. Valentin Vs. Santillan is presented by Tuto Zabala’s Jr., All Star Boxing, Inc in association with Thompson Boxing and will be televised live at 11:35 PM by the Telemundo Network.

photo Carlos Baeza Thompson Boxing