Mario Santiago

"Principe Ponce"

The Feather Great continued...
He got busy again in 2004, notching seven KOs in his last eight fights, baffling opponents with his ability to work from different heights and angles, strong jab and a technique that Santiago refers to as his “secret weapon.” “I love going to the body a lot from the outside,” he says. “I’ve got long arms. People say I’m a pretty good puncher. Felix Trinidad (Jr.) knocks guys out with one punch, but I’m not that kind of fighter. I like to wear guys down.” It was that penchant for working the body that shortened Santiago’s otherwise impressive amateur career (52-3). Since amateur scoring only counts head shots, his pro style of changing punch height and angle worked against him. He was out-pointed in a bronze-medal fight at the 2000 Pan American Games, costing him a slot on the Puerto Rican Olympic team. “In the dressing room after the fight, I showered and was there by myself – and I cried,” says Santiago. “It was my dream to win a medal for my country. But my family told me that I did what I had to do, that I fought a pretty good fight. But I don’t like to lose.” With that loss in mind, and his crippling body work in tow, Santiago headed for the pros and, seven years later, is taking aim at the top fighters in the division. “My last few fights, I’ve looked pretty good. I dominate every fighter, every round. My goal is to win a title at 126, and nothing can stop me from getting me what I want.” Right before press time, Santiago suffered his first defeat in an extremely controversial title eliminator battle against Hector Velazquez. The fight had to be stopped short due to cuts caused by head butts. It’s expected that the two will rematch.
Eric Velazquez is a freelance sportswriter based in Los Angeles.