ATK’S first international card: Santisima raring to put on a show before home fans

CEBU, Philippines — Former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Oriental super bantamweight champion Jeo “Santino” Santisima of ATK Stable vows to on a put on a show as he sees action for the very first time before his fellow Masbateños.

With that mindset, expect an explosive performance from Santisima (23-7, 19KOs) as he challenges Thai titleholder Arnon Yupang (14-4, 5KOs) for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Asia Continental super featherweight belt headlining the first international fight card of ATK Promotions of Masbate Governor Antonio Kho.

Billed as “Bakbakan sa Masbate 2”, the landmark event will be held on June 22 at Cataingan’s world-class Masbate Lagoon, which boasts of a 600-seater floating restaurant, white-sand beaches and turquoise blue waters.

“Excited kaayo ko ug 100% ready na to fight sa ako hometown,” said Santisima, who hails from the municipality of Aroroy.

“Buhaton nako ang tanan para mapakita sa tanang Masbateño ang usa ka maayo nga away ug tinuoray nga binukbokay. Abangan ug saksihan gyud ni nila,” added the former stalwart of the now defunct ALA Gym.

The 27-year-old Santisima though refused to make any prediction.

“Ang knockout maabot ra gyud na. Maningkamot lang ko og maayo ug buhaton tanan kutob sa akong mahimo aron modaog,” Santisima assured.

Aside from Jeo, his younger brother Alex Santisima, Jr. (8-1, 2KOs) will also show his stuff in the slam-bang event featuring five championships bouts.

Alex will tackle Jastine “Philippine Tiger” Darap (11-5, 7KOs) for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian super flyweight crown.

In another 12-rounder, Jon Jon “Wolverine” Estrada (18-12-1, 14KOs) of Elorde Gym in Sucat, Parañaque will trade blows with WBC Asian Silver flyweight titlist Michael “Hot N’ Spicy” Dasmarinas (34-3-2, 24KOs) of CamSur Sports Academy for the vacant Philippine featherweight throne.

On the other hand, Esneth “Hard Hitter” Domingo (19-2, 11KOs) of General Santos City’s ZIP Samman Boxing will slug it out with Nutlai Lalbiakkima (6-1, 5KOs) of India for the WBC Asia flyweight strap, while Ben “Sniper Ben Fairtex” Ligas (16-4, 10KOs) of Elorde Stable will battle against  Alvin Camique (8-2, 3KOs) of GenSan’s Amoy Gym for the WBF International super flyweight title.

Five other match-ups will serve as aperitif of the surefire blockbuster show bankrolled by Masbate Governor Antonio Kho.

Arvin John Sampaga and Rey Gabriel Villamor, both of ATK Promotions, will go up against Ramcie Mondala of Elorde Gym and Gilbert Vere of Calbayog Boxing Gym, respectively, Rey Dogelio of Hardstone Monis Boxing in Bangar, La Union will mix it up with Erwin Banta of Ground and Pound Fitness Center in Batangas, Reycar Auxillo of Cebu City’s Big Yellow Gym will tackle Remon Basas of Dino Olivetti Gym in Binan, Laguna, while Ken Danilla of Peñalosa Gym will take on Ronald Blanco of Palawan Sports Fitness Gym.— (FREEMAN)