Underdog Brian Norman Jr. Stuns Favored Giovani Santillan to Claim WBO Interim Welterweight Title at Historic Pechanga Arena
In a surprising turn of events, undefeated boxer Brian Norman Jr. delivered a stunning 10th-round knockout victory over the favored Giovani Santillan to claim the WBO interim welterweight title on Saturday night at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego.
The Pechanga Arena, formerly known as the San Diego Sports Arena, holds significant historical significance in the sport of boxing. It was the same venue where heavyweight legend Ken Norton famously broke Muhammad Ali’s jaw and upset him by split decision in 1973.
Norman, now 26-0 with 20 knockouts, likely broke Santillan’s nose with a sudden and powerful right uppercut that brought the fight to an abrupt end. The WOO interim title holds crucial importance, as the primary WBO welterweight championship is currently held by the undisputed champion, Terence Crawford, who is set to move up in weight and challenge WBA junior middleweight titleholder Israil Madrimov on August 3 in Los Angeles.
“Norman’s ability to win some of the early exchanges opened a cut above Santillan’s right eye, leaving the ringside broadcasters and matchmakers surprised by the unexpected turn of events.”
Santillan, who entered the bout with an impressive 32-1 record with 17 knockouts, initially had the backing of his hometown crowd. However, the 26-year-old Georgia native Norman embraced the challenge and displayed a willingness to engage in a rugged battle.
Santillan, 32, responded by pressing the action and unleashing a barrage of inside combinations and hard left hands. Despite the punishment, Norman persevered and continued to adjust his attack. In the eighth round, a powerful right hand from Norman visibly shook Santillan’s legs, and the pressure continued in the ninth round, with Norman’s cornerman declaring that Santillan “knows it’s over.”
The decisive moment came at the one minute and 33-second mark of the 10th round, when Norman landed a devastating right uppercut that sealed the knockout victory and the coveted WOO interim welterweight title.
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