Mario Santiago Says Steven Luevano is Running Away
By Mark Vester
Featherweight Mario Santiago makes his ring return on Saturday night after a year of sitting on the shelf. Santiago has been inactive since last June's draw with WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano. Santiago takes on Gilberto Sanchez Leon of Mexico on the undercard to Juan Manuel Lopez-Olivier Lontchi at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
Santiago blames the long stretch of inactivity on Luevano. He says a rematch was discussed several times and several dates were in the works but Luevano backed away from all of them.
"We have been trying to fight Luevano for a full year. There were many dates offered and they ran away from the fight. We're waiting for that rematch but they don't want to take it. They know that the fight was not easy. I know that we won and was given the draw. Top Rank is going to sign me. Twice the fight was offered to them and both times they said no," Santiago told El Nuevo Dia.
Santiago doesn't know much about his opponent but he's very happy to be back in the ring.
"We are happy to be fighting again. We took this opportunity here after a couple of other commitments fell through and we couldn't fight. I do not know who [Sanchez] is. I have seen no photos of him. All I know is that he's Mexican. You have to be ready for these kind of opponents. We are looking for a good opportunity so you always have to be ready," Santiago said.
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