Alexandro Santiago

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Alexandro Santiago, born on February 7, 1996, in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, displayed a passion for boxing from an early age. Growing up in a city known for its rich boxing culture, Santiago was inspired by local legends and the vibrant boxing community. He began training at a neighborhood gym when he was just eight years old, under the tutelage of experienced trainers who recognized his potential. Santiago’s amateur career was marked by rapid progression and notable achievements. His first major success came in 2012 when he won the Baja California State Championships in the bantamweight division at the age of 16. This victory was a pivotal moment, earning him recognition and the opportunity to compete at higher levels.

 

In 2013, Santiago continued to build his reputation by competing in national tournaments. One of his significant accomplishments during this period was winning the National Junior Championships in the bantamweight category. This victory underscored his technical skills and determination, establishing him as one of Mexico’s top amateur prospects. Santiago’s international debut came in 2014 when he represented Mexico at the AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Although he did not medal, his performance against some of the world’s best young boxers was commendable and provided valuable experience. Competing on an international stage helped Santiago refine his skills and gain exposure to different boxing styles.

 

Another highlight of Santiago’s amateur career was his participation in the 2015 Pan American Games qualifiers. Although he faced tough competition and did not secure a spot in the Games, his efforts in the qualifiers demonstrated his resilience and commitment to reaching the highest levels of the sport.

 

Professional Career

 

His professional journey began on December 21, 2012, with a second-round TKO victory over Mario Valdez at the Auditorio Ernesto Rufo in Rosarito, Baja California. This debut set the stage for a promising career. Santiago quickly gained a reputation for his aggressive style and technical prowess. Early in his career, he faced and defeated several opponents, including Jose Lopez, whom he stopped in the first round on February 9, 2013, at Arena ITSON in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora. By October 26, 2013, he had secured a split decision victory over Jaziel Escobedo Brunn at the Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, further establishing his presence in the bantamweight division.

 

A significant milestone came on May 14, 2022, when Santiago faced David Carmona at Estadio American Box in Montevideo, Uruguay, for the vacant Mexican super bantamweight title. Santiago won the bout by unanimous decision, adding a prestigious title to his growing list of achievements. Santiago’s career continued to flourish with a series of victories. On October 29, 2022, he fought Antonio Nieves at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, winning by RTD in the seventh round. This win demonstrated his ability to dominate and force stoppages against strong opponents.

 

One of the most notable achievements in Santiago’s career came on July 29, 2023, when he faced the legendary Nonito Donaire at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. In a highly anticipated bout, Santiago won by unanimous decision, capturing the vacant WBC bantamweight title. This victory marked a pinnacle in his career, showcasing his skill and determination against a highly respected opponent. However, Santiago faced a significant challenge on February 24, 2024, when he defended his WBC bantamweight title against Junto Nakatani at Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, Japan. Despite a valiant effort, Santiago lost the bout by TKO in the sixth round, relinquishing his title. This loss, while a setback, highlighted Santiago’s willingness to compete at the highest levels of the sport.