ORANGE, Calif. (April 18, 2016) – As Giovani Santillan (18-0, 10 KOs) scales down preparations for his “Path to Glory” main event showdown with Jose de Jesus Macias (18-5-2, 9 KOs) on Friday, the southpaw from San Diego pauses to reflect on his sparring sessions with top welterweight Timothy Bradley.
Santillan, 24, was among the chief sparring partners for the Bradley training camp (Bradley was preparing for his third fight against Manny Pacquiao).
After several weeks of elite level training, Santillan is poised to defend his unbeaten mark against Macias from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. this Friday, April 22.
Tickets for “Path to Glory” are priced at $40, $60, & $100 and can be purchased at ThompsonBoxing.com, or calling 714-935-0900.
Thompson Boxing sat down with the junior welterweight and got his thoughts on sparring with Bradley, his opponent, and his fellow stablemates on Friday’s card.
On fight week preparations…
We keep it light. We work on our technique and pace. We review our strategy and go over how we plan to put it into practice.
On sparring with Timothy Bradley…
It was a tremendous experience for me. From the beginning they liked what we brought to the table. I sparred with Bradley three times a week for four weeks. I felt good every single time I was in there with him. To be able to be in the same ring as an elite boxer like that, it was a huge confidence booster. I felt like he got better as the weeks went on, and so did I.
On the biggest takeaway from spending time with the Bradley camp…
Immediately after sparring sessions, we would go back and break down the video with the Bradley team. I would see my mistakes almost in real time. Overall, Bradley’s a really cool guy. He treated us like we were part of the team and was very approachable.
On your opponent Jose de Jesus Macias …
He’s a tough guy that’s never been knocked out before. Half his wins are by knockout so we know he can punch. He has a pretty good reach too.
On the overall strength of Friday’s card…
When I saw the fight poster come out, I knew this was going to be an exciting card. Jose Roman, Carlos Carlson, Erick Ituarte, I have a lot of respect for these guys. You have a lot of different styles in exciting weight classes.
For a complete rundown on Friday’s card, please click here.
On staying busy in between fights…
When you’re young, you always want to train, but as you get older you have to be smart about it. Learning how not to over train comes with experience. I’m learning every year how to take care of my body. Some weeks it’s working on your technique. Other weeks I focus more on cardio. I try to stay in shape to the point where I’m ready to spar once a fight is announced.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the first bell rings at 7:45 p.m. The Doubletree Hotel is located at 222 N. Vineyard Ave. in Ontario, Calif. and can be reached at 909-937-0900.
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“Path to Glory” is presented by Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Lucas Oil, in association with LATV Networks.
PHOTO CREDIT: CARLOS BAEZA / THOMPSON BOXING PROMOTIONS
