Underdog Santisima looks to upset Navarrete for world title

Philippines’ boxer Jeo Santisima weighs-in for his Super Bantamweight fight against Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 21, 2020. (Photo by John Gurzinski / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Jeo Santisima had never fought outside of the Philippines and had not even challenged for an international title, but he’s now on the cusp of a career-defining match.

The little-known knockout artist is scheduled to face WBO World junior featherweight champion Emanuel Navarrete on Sunday [Manila time] at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Santisima (19-2, 16 KOs) is massive 50-1 underdog heading into the 122-lb bout that will serve as the co-main event to the rematch between WBC World heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete weighs-in for his Super Bantamweight fight against Philippines’ boxer Jeo Santisima at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 21, 2020. (Photo by John Gurzinski / AFP)

The 23-year-old Santisima is carrying a 17-fight winning streak, with just a couple heading to the judges’ scorecards, but he’s never seen as someone who can dance in the same level as Navarrete (30-1, 26 KOs).

Navarrete is on a 25-fight winning streak, with 21 of those ending in knockouts including his fourth round stoppage of Francisco Horta.

Both Santisima and Navarrete weighed in at 122 lbs on Friday.