Jovanie “El Lobito” Santiago (14-0-1, 10 KOs) will face the challenge that could potentially define his future in boxing.
The Puerto Rican contender will meet four-division world champion Adrien “The Problem” Broner in the main event of a Showtime televised card from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, on February 20.
"It is the fight of my life. It will be a great opportunity for the boxing world to know me and because it will be televised through a network like Showtime," said Santiago to Carlos Gonzalez.
"It is the type of fight that every boxer expects and wishes for, [especially] after all the sacrifices that are made to be offered an opportunity like this to shine on the big stage."
Santiago, 31, recognizes the quality of Broner and understands that a victory would place him closer to a headline opportunity.
“If we win this fight, other great fights will emerge, but not only that, a world title fight may come shortly after, which is what every boxer looks for. It's what I hope for by defeating an opponent like that (Broner). Beating a champion like that would be the best."
During 2020, Santiago had only one fight. Last December he knocked out then-undefeated Juan Zegarra in the first round. That result cleared the way for Santiago to replace Broner's original opponent, Mexico's Pedro Campa, who had to withdraw from the fight when he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Broner (33-4-1, 24 KOs) has lost two of his past three fight. He hasn't fought since January 2019, when he was defeated over twelve rounds by Manny Pacquiao.
“The pressure will be on Broner because losing to me would be the end of his career. I am not well-known, so for me it would be a jump to the big leagues. We are going to train harder, doing many things in the gym to deal with his speed,” explained Santiago.
