Santana headlines Feb 24 in Dover

By Rick Scharmberg

WBA #12-ranked Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana (26-3, 17 KOs) will defend his NABA light welterweight title against Manuel Perez (16-7-1, 4 KOs) in the ten round main event on Friday, February 24 at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware. In the co-feature, “Mighty” Mike Tiberi (18-1, 7 KOs) will take part in an eight round bout for the vacant WBF intercontinental super middleweight title against an opponent to be announced shortly. Santana, who is riding a 5-bout win streak, owns a win over world-rated Josesito Lopez, while Perez once fought recent world champion Brandon Rios to a ten round majority draw. Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is the show’s promoter.

The 33-year-old Santana will be fighting for the second time at the venue’s Rollins Center.

Matchmaker Nick Tiberi stated, “For Santana, this is going to be a tough fight with a veteran who’s been in there and had a draw with the champion of the world. This is a good spot to see where Santana is. It will pretty much stand on how he performs here. It should really be a tremendous fight.”

In his previous bout, Santana scored a tremendous come-from-behind fifth round knockout over Omri Lowther, which earned him the NABA light welterweight belt.

“This fight is an important one,” said Santana. “My last fight was canceled because my opponent got injured late in the game. So now I’m hungry to get back in there and put on a great show for everyone.”

In the co-feature, local favorite Mike Tiberi will get the opportunity for fight for his first title. Mike father and trainer, Mario, is a former pro and brother to the show’s matchmaker Nick, as well as Delaware’s “Uncrowned Champ”, Dave “TNT” Tiberi.

Mike has another uncle, Joe, who was a middleweight contender in the 1970’s and 80’s, so the bloodlines are there.

“This is what you always dream, what you always work for,” said Mike. “Actually, the best part is that my first title shot will be at home. It’s always good to have the crowd on your side.”

Tiberi will be making his ninth appearance at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.

Quietly making his bones as a pro is former amateur standout, Omar “Super O” Douglas, of Wilmington. Omar will be making his fourth consecutive appearance at the Rollins Center since turning pro on May 27, 2011.

Recently, Douglas signed a promotional agreement with Fisticuffs Promotions.

Dave Escalet, of Fisticuffs stated, “We think he has the goods. He has power in either hand, and he comes from a good, grounded family. He is a gifted athlete.”

Douglas, a lightweight, has compiled a 3-0, 2 KOs record as pro. He will face an opponent to be determined in a four round bout.

Other fighters scheduled to appear in separate bouts include unbeaten NABF female super featherweight champ “Queen” Ronica Jeffery (8-0, 1 KO), power-punching light heavyweight Anthony Caputo Smith (12-0, 10 KOs), fan-favorite welterweight “Rockin” Ryan Belasco (16-5-3, 3 KOs), super middleweight John “Church Boy” Bowman (1-0-1), and up-and-coming cruiserweight Lamont “The Problem Solver” Singletary (3-0, 2 KOs).

Ticket prices range from $40 – $200 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-711-5882.

Doors open at 6:30pm with the first bout going on at 7:30pm.

January 24th, 2012

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