Giovani Santillan

Early Life and Amateur Career

 

Giovani Santillan, born on December 15, 1991, in San Diego, California, is an American professional boxer with a strong foundation rooted in his amateur career. Growing up in a family supportive of his athletic pursuits, Santillan was introduced to boxing at a very young age. His father, who was passionate about the sport, played a crucial role in steering him towards boxing. This early exposure was key to sparking Santillan’s interest and dedication to the sport.

 

Santillan started training seriously in boxing as a child and entered the amateur ranks, where he quickly made a name for himself. He trained at a local gym in San Diego, where he developed a solid technical foundation under the guidance of experienced coaches who honed his skills and fighting technique. His dedication to training and natural talent were evident early on, as he amassed a notable amateur record.

 

Throughout his amateur career, Santillan achieved a record of 90 wins and only about 10 losses, an impressive feat that highlighted his prowess in the ring. He participated in numerous tournaments and earned several accolades, including multiple National PAL Championships. These victories were significant milestones that not only boosted his confidence but also established him as a promising young boxer in the national amateur boxing scene.

 

One of his key amateur achievements was winning the 2009 Silver Gloves at the age of 18, which marked him as one of the top amateur fighters in his age and weight class in the United States. This victory was particularly important as it showcased his potential to succeed at higher levels of competition.

 

Professional Career

 

Giovani Santillan, a professional boxer from San Diego, California, has built a commendable career since making his debut in the welterweight division. Known for his technical skill and power, Santillan’s ascent in the boxing world has been marked by a series of significant victories and titles.

 

Santillan turned professional on July 25, 2012, quickly establishing himself as a force within the division with his debut victory against Christian Daniels in Ontario, California. His power and technique were on full display as he went on to secure a string of victories, maintaining an undefeated streak that caught the attention of the boxing community.

 

A key highlight of Santillan’s career came on May 2, 2015, when he captured the WBO NABO welterweight title by defeating Daniyar Hanyk in Las Vegas, Nevada. This victory not only added a prestigious belt to his resume but also marked him as a serious contender in the welterweight category. Santillan successfully defended this title, showcasing his evolving skill set and his ability to perform under pressure.

 

Santillan’s prowess was further tested on June 26, 2020, when he faced former title challenger Antonio DeMarco in “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This bout was particularly noteworthy as it posed a significant step up in competition. Santillan won the closely contested fight by a majority decision, demonstrating his resilience and tactical acumen, which allowed him to edge out a seasoned opponent.

 

In October 2023, Giovani Santillan reclaimed the NABO title by delivering a stunning sixth-round knockout against the rising star Alexis Rocha at the Kia Forum. This victory was especially notable as it marked Rocha’s first knockout loss in his professional career.