Santisima KOs Thai champ to snatch WBC Asia crown

CEBU , Philippines — Jeo “Santino” Santisima delivered as promised.

Making an impression fighting for the first time before his hometown fans, Santisima dethroned Thai champion Arnon Yupang via a smashing fourth-round knockout to grab the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Continental super featherweight crown in the main event of “Bakbakan sa Masbate 2” presented by ATK Promotions of Governor Antonio Kho on Saturday night, June 22, at the picturesque Masbate Lagoon in Cataingan.

The 27-year-old Santisima of General Santos City’s ZIP/Sanman Gym was on the attack from the get go, relentlessly throwing hard shots to the head though it did not seem to hurt the iron-chinned Yupang.

But it was Santisima’s energy-sapping left uppercut to the body that sent Yupang down on both knees gasping for breath and in clear pain late in the fourth round.

The Thai visitor failed to beat the referee’s count resulting to the early stoppage at the 2:01 mark of that fateful round.

“First of all, I’m very thankful for the support of my fellow Masbateños especially to our beloved governor Tata Tony,” said Santisima, moments after stretching his record to 24-7 now spiked with 20KOs. Yupang fell to 14-5 with 5KOs.

 “I just focused on my goal to score a knockout and I’m very happy that I was able to accomplish it,” added the pride of Aroroy, Masbate. “As for my next fight, it all depends on my  promoter. But if a big opportunity comes my way like a world title shot, I will take it because it’s every boxer’s dream”.

Jeo was doubly happy as his younger brother Alex Santisima, Jr.  (9-1, 3KOs) earlier stopped Justine “Philippine Tiger” Darap (11-6, 7KOs) of Calbayog City’s CDG Sports Center in the second round to claim the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian super flyweight belt.

On the other hand, Michael “Hot N’ Spicy” Dasmarinas (35-3-2, 25KOs) of CamSur Sports Academy forced Jon Jon “Wolverine” Estrada (18-13-1, 14KOs) of Elorde Fight Team in Sucat, Parañaque to throw in the towel at the end of ninth round to seize the  Philippine featherweight throne.

 In other results, Esneth “Hard Hitter” Domingo (20-2, 12KOs) of ZIP/Samman destroyed Enrique Magsalin of Iloilo in 2:38 of round two to snatch the WBC Asia flyweight strap, while Alvin Camique (9-2, 4KOs) of GenSan’s Amoy Gym pulled off a stunning second round TKO victory over Ben “Sniper Ben Fairtex” Ligas (16-5, 10KOs) of Elorde Stable to clinch the WBF International super flyweight title.