Norman, seizing the moment in what Santillan trainer Robert Garcia said was the Georgia boxer’s “fight of his life,” stunningly knocked out Santillan in the 10th round and parlayed the WBO interim-title victory to a full championship and a lucrative date versus unbeaten Devin Haney.

Santillan was left to return to the proverbial lab at Garcia’s boxing academy here, recognizing the ticking career clock of turning 34 years old and rebuilding himself with three consecutive victories to land this next – and final? – moment to position for a belt.

“Losses are tough, especially when I lost in my hometown, in front of my people,” Santillan told BoxingScene recently. “For me to have another big fight in my city, I’m grateful for that opportunity. Any time you lose, it shows what you’re made of.

“You either let it take you out and give up, or you keep going. All I did was shake it off and keep training, because that’s all you can do if you really want to be great and you want to be a world champion. That’s what I’ve done. … So this fight means everything now.”

Ranked No. 3 by the WBO and No. 10 by the IBF, Santillan, 35-1 (18 KOs), tops Friday’s ProBoxTV card at FrontWave Arena in Carlsbad, California, versus Baraou, 17-2 (9 KOs), who surrendered his WBA belt to Xander Zayas on January 31 by split decision.

Baraou, 31, is ranked No. 5 by the WBA, No. 6 by the WBO and No. 11 by the WBC.

And with it increasingly appearing that unified champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis has his heart set on becoming undisputed 154lbs champion and then leaving the division by the first half of 2027, the Santillan-Baraou winner is prominently positioned to be in serious title contention by winning this week.

“I’m close to a world-title shot, especially by getting this win,” Santillan said. “Maybe by my next fight … any fight that gets me there, I’ll take it.” 

One distinctive edge Santillan possesses on Baraou is his ability to spar and consult with such talented foes, including unbeaten WBC interim 154lbs champion Vergil Ortiz Jnr, former unified 140lbs champion Jose Ramirez and 140lbs title challenger Lindolfo Delgado.

“I’m grateful to have the opportunity to train here. I’ve been here for five years now,” Santillan said. “You always get the best, world-class sparring available – sparring with fighters at all levels.

“Especially with this fight against Baraou – an ex-champion – it’s a huge fight for me. He’s a great fighter, but I’ve prepared all summer for this.

“There’s always things to improve on, even after a win, but my footwork and movement [have made strides]. I’ve added skills I need to show. Every fight [develops] in its own way. So sometimes I’ve got to be that pressure fighter, and other times I’ve got to box.”

Santillan said the support of two-time trainer of the year Garcia and Hall of Fame matchmakers Bruce Trampler and Brad Goodman following the Norman defeat means so much as he moves to fight Baraou, whom he watched while fighting on the January 31 card.

“That’s why I’ve got to make the most of this opportunity, and it’s why I’ve been training so hard, staying disciplined, staying focused. I know I really need to get this win,” Santillan said of the valuable support system.

“[Baraou’s] a good, pressure fighter who comes at you. I’ve fought that way as well, so people can expect a good fight. Get ready for fireworks.”

While assigned to Top Rank, Santillan said he knows the reputation and responsibility of participating in an all-action, 50/50 ProBox card. He sat ringside at the August 29 ProBox card in Los Angeles anchored by Lester Martinez and Najee Lopez.

“I’ve seen a lot of their cards and [in Los Angeles], all the fights were great,” Santillan said. “ All the fighters bring it, so I’m ready to put on that good fight.”