González Stops Santino in 9; Captures WBO Int’l Featerweight Belt

Mexican-American Joet González proved to be the better fighter, landing hard and devastating on game Filipino former ALA fighter Jeo “Santino” Santisima (21-4, 18 KO’s) today in Fresno, Calif.

The battle unfolded competitive till round seven when the stronger Mexican took control of actions, connecting Santino with straights rights and left hooks from the distance, for which the Filipino’s answer was not that compelling.

Punishment for the Masbate warrior intensified even further in the eight chapter, prompting California third man Edward Collantes to warn Santino of the dire situation during the round’s break, giving him the chance to turn things around.

Unortunately, Santino couldn’t.

It was Gonzalez, 28, the one stepping harder on the gas.

Then, after Gonzalez landed a few more solid punches on the the head of the brave Pinoy, referee Collantes interviene, waving the interesting battle off, declaring Joet Gonzalez winner via TKO in round nine.

With the win, Joet Gonzale (25-2, 15 KO’s) claims the vacant WBO International Featherweight title and positions himself well for a possible world-title shot later this year.

The talented 25-year-old nice guy Santino – who was helped in is corner by Freddy Roach – needs a good, well-deserved rest.

The Top Rank Fight was live on ESPN+

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The author Carlos Costa can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com

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