Santino to Battle Tsutsumi for OPBF Belt May 31 in Japan
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 05 Apr 2023
Filipino former ALA star Jeo "Santino" Santisima (22-5, 19 KO's), is more than willing to head back to Japan for the crucial mission of facing Japanese newcomer warrior Hayato Tsutsumi 堤駿斗 (2-0, 0 KO's) for the vacant OPBF Featherweight strap on Wednesday, May 31, at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
The important 12-round title war - as per boxrec.com - will be Santino's third consecutive fight in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Last August, the 26-year-old Santino - a former WBO Oriental titlist - scored an exciting round 5 stoppage win over veteran Nippon man of action 大沢宏晋 Hiroshige Osawa (38-6-4, 21 KO's),
It was a rewarding victory in which Santino dropped, and overpowered the brave Osawa to claim an exciting triumph that gave much-needed boost to his pro boxing career.
But then, last December, Santino was soundly outsmarted and outboxed over 10 rounds by promising Japanese slugger 下町俊貴 Toshiki Shimomachi (16-1-2, 11 KO's) in Osaka. The Pinoy might not have won not even one round in that battle against Toshiki.
It was indeed a difficult encounter for the former world-title challenger who began his pro boxing career 10 years ago in Escalante City, Negros Occidental. So what will happen next?
Will Santino's coming May 31 rumble against the 23-year-old Tsutsumi be another thrilling, stunning knockout victory like the one got over Osawa... or a sad defeat?
Notably, Santino's coming opponent, Hayato Tsutsumi - born in the Chiba Prefecture, 40 Km east of Tokyo - is a former amateur standout who captured gold at the 2016 World Youth Championships in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Tsutsumi also competed in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, and in the 2021 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
As a pro since July of last year, Tsutsumi has climbed the ring two times, scoring wins by points over Pinoy boxers Jhon Gemino (23-15-1, 13 KO's) and Pete Apolinar (17-4, 10 KO's).
In fact, Santino will be the third consecutive Filipino fighter that Tsutsumi ever faces... and what will the result be?
Will Santino's vast experience and tormenting punching power be too much for the Japanese former amateur star with a current pro record of 2-0 with zero knockouts???
Or will Tsutsumi's amateur background - plus the advantage of fighting at home - give him the edge to control, dominate and outdo the tough Pinoy fighter born in Masbate?
Hayato Tsutsumi vs Jeo "Santino" Santisima will be the main event of the May 31 fight show promoted by 木谷卓也 Takuya Kiya's Shisei Promotions.
May the Best Man Win.
The author of this story is veteran boxing reporter Carlos Costa of Panama. Carlos can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
SPORTS SHORTS 285: AMIR KHAN ACCEPTS OFFER FOR AN EXHIBITION MATCH WITH MANNY PACQUIAO
By Maloney L. Samaco, Mon, 25 Nov 2024FOGOUM, TOSHIHIKO, KIM, RATTAWUT, RUF, CHUTINAN IN ACTION IN HIGHLAND’S EXCITING “SHOWDOWN” NOV 28 AT SPACEPLUS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Gil Robiego Co Elected New APPBRO President for 2025-2027
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Garma wins, climbs to 8th place
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Davao futsal scores 1st win
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 25 Nov 2024Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat is the new FIDE World Senior 65 over category Rapid Champion
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Thunderdome 48 - Jude Grant vs Fano Kori
Sun, 24 Nov 2024World Boxing backs plan to create a new Confederation in Asia
Sun, 24 Nov 2024The message is clear – Asian Boxing Confederation remains united with the IBA
Sun, 24 Nov 2024OSCAR DE LA HOYA FOUNDATION HOSTS 25TH ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY FOR EAST LOS ANGELES COMMUNITY
Sun, 24 Nov 2024Life vs. Death: The Ultimate Ringside Showdown Immortalized in Pierce Egan’s Boxiana
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 23 Nov 2024SPORTS SHORTS 284: TEAM MARK MAGSAYO CONFIRMS RETURN TO THE RING ON DECEMBER 14
By Maloney L. Samaco, Sat, 23 Nov 2024RJP Boxing promotes in Bucana on Dec. 17
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Good Prospects at Minimumweight, Light Fly, Super Bantam and Super Feather in 2025
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 23 Nov 2024Filipino International Master Chito Danilo Garma is the new World Senior Blitz champion; Filipino FIDE Master Mario Mangubat takes the bronze medal
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 23 Nov 2024