Santibanes Wins at Fantasy Springs

Walter Santibanes Upsets Gucci Flores at Fantasy Springs

By Lauren Rodriguez

Golden Boy kicked off their week of boxing with Thursday fight night in Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino. The night of prospects included a surprising turn of events for fans of newly signed fighter Manuel Flores and a disappointing decision in the female co-main event of featherweights.

The main event of the night was a 10-round match up in the super bantamweight division between newly signed Golden Boy fighter Manuel Flores (15-1, 11 KO’s) and Walter Santibanes (12-2, 2 KO’s).

Santibañes, fighting out of Arizona, quickly led the match, working on Flores’ body. Flores used his jab but Santibanes changed his stance from southpaw to orthodox, a tactic he uses to remain unpredictable. Santibanes began digging deep into his opponent’s sides, landing power shots to the body before Flores was able to counter with an uppercut.

The rounds were speeding by and Flores had yet to make a prominent move, his lack of response remained with his hands in ear muff stance as he continued to withstand heavy hitters from Santibanes.

Almost every round seemed to be led by the ambidextrous fighter. Santibanes had the strategy that stunned his usually aggressive opponent. The 32-year-old remained attacking Flores from every angle while the young fighter seemed too stunned to retaliate.

Despite Flores’ advantage in height and lengthy arms, the Coachella valley native’s gloves were unable to reach his opponent's body. The match went the distance but Flores’ arms never made the distance to the right location, Santibanes seeming untouched in the body as he let his hands fly.

“Well once I feel his punch, I have to take risks. I felt his punch in the first round and felt there was no way this kid could hurt me.”

The match was scored a unanimous decision in favor of Santibanes. Santibanes improves to 12-2 ,2 KO’s, an upset for fans who could be heard booing at disapproval. Although Santibanes made his way into the arena and ring with few in his corner and little fans in the stand, he made sure to earn the respect of boxing fans with a show viewers couldn't deny.

“I try to work hard in the gym. I hate cutting weight but I love fighting. If this is what I have to do then that's what I'm going to do to come fight. I'm going to go down to 115 I think. Whatever happens, whoever they throw at me I'm down to fight.. I'll fight anybody,” said Santibanes.

Co-main event

In the co-main event of the night, a 10-round match in the featherweight division between Calista Silgado (21-17-4, 16 KO’s) and Jelena Mrdjenovich (42-12-2, 19 KO’s) gave the viewers the action they were looking for.

Hailing from Edmonton, Canada, seasoned fighter Mrdjenovich boasts 56 bouts under her belt. The 40-year-old has made it clear that despite her age she is as refreshed as ever and intends to stay in the ring.

Coming off a double loss to Erika Cruz Hernandez (15-2, 3 KO’s), Mrdjenovich is no stranger to strong fighters. Silgados resume is seasoned as well, having gone up against notable champions like the Serrano sisters- a now undisputed Amanda Serrano (44-2-1, 30 KO’s).

The two women quickly went to work, Jelena using her right hand followed by a left, followed by a double hook that caught Silgado who became wrapped by Mrdjenovich’s lengthy arms.

Silgados impatient stance, followed by overextension of her arms in the second round gave Mrjenovich the upperhand. Silgado tried to keep her opponent at bay, throwing uppercuts from along the ropes. In the third round, Silgados overhand right was the stunner as the Canadian fighter held on.

By the fourth round, Silgados rhythm and anticipation of her reach became more accurate as she began rolling her busy opponents punches off her shoulders. Silgado continued with the same combination, working over and under, Mrdjenovich missing the opportunity to catch the predictable combination.

By the 9th round, Mrdjenovich switched her strategy, attacking then clinching as a way to ward off any counters. A head butt in the 10th round resulted in blood spewing over her left eye seconds before the final bell rang. The bout was scored 95-95, 97-93, 96-94, Mrdjenovich with the comeback victory.  The result didn't go without booing from the crowd who could be seen shaking their heads in disappointment.

Other bouts

In the lightweight division, a 6-round bout between undefeated fighter Daniel “June Bug” Garcia (6-0, 5 KO’s) and Luis “Duro” May (22-17-1, 8 KO’s).

Fighting out of Westminster, Colorado, Garcia used his height to his advantage. Mexican fighter May weaved under Garcia's snappy jabs.  It was a left hook to the body that swiftly knocked May flat on his back. The knockout at 1:13 seconds of the first round leaves 21-year old Garcia undefeated with 6 victories, 5 by way of knockout. 

Gael “El Terrorista” Cabrera made his professional debut in the super bantamweight division against Ulises Rosales (0-7, 3 KO’s). The 18-year old Sonoran quickly landed a body shot to Rosales’ body, knocking the fighter down. Once resuming the round, Cabrera seized the opportunity to attack his opponent's weak spot once more prompting a knock down. The knockout victory came at 1:39 of the first round.

“I feel pretty good. I knocked out the opponent quickly…I was nervous at first because of the cameras and lights but once you get into the ring everything is better,” said Cabrera.

In the lightweight division, Patricio “Cacahuate” Manuel (3-0) of Los Angeles went four rounds against Fantasy Springs native, Manuel Gutierrez (0-2). The 4-round bout came at only two days' notice to MMA fighter Gutierrez.

Manuel rushed into the round throwing right overhands. Gutierrez countered in defense but his open stance left him vulnerable. Gutierrez became upset after a headbutt hurt the side of his head, before realizing Manuel was bleeding from his left eye.

The bout was scored a unanimous decision of 40-36, Patricio Manuel as winner. Manuel remains undefeated at 3-0.

 (photo by Cris Esqueda/Golden Boy Promotions)