Carlos Carlson Eyes The NABF Title – Boxing News

By Anthony “Stacks” Saldaña

Friday night at the Double Tree Hotel in Ontario, California the #11 WBC ranked Bantamweight and former WBC Latino Champion, Carlos Carlson, 21-1, 12 KO’s will battle Alex Rangel, 17-5-2, 11 KO’s for the vacant NABF Bantamweight title, at Thompson Promotions, “Locked N Loaded” event. Carlson who is a native of Tijuana, Mexico began his career with a loss, but since that loan mark on his record has won 21 straight bouts. Carlson is an aggressive come forward style of fighter who is quickly making a statement in division and is the #4 ranked Mexican bantamweight. Carlson recently stated “Fighting for titles is what this sport is about I’m coming into this bout well prepared. Rangel is going to get a tough fight.” In his last fight Carlson easily handled his opponent Giovanni Caro winning a six round unanimous decision.

In the 8-round co-main event, undefeated junior welterweight Giovanni Santillan, 19-0, 10 KO’s from San Diego, California takes on Brian Jones, 13-6, 7 KO’s who fights out of Los Angeles. With both fighters representing Southern California, fans can expect a war as these two fight for bragging rights. Santillan who had an extensive amateur career, began boxing at 8 years old and also fought for the Mexican Junior Olympic Team. Besides being an undefeated professional, Santillan was a sparing partner for seven weeks for Floyd Mayweather, JR. before his fight with Manny Pacquiao, as well as having sparred, Timothy Bradley and Multi-division world champion Adrien Broner. Santillan looks to stay on track with a victory over Jones on Friday night and hopefully follow in the footsteps of those champions. The southpaw from San Diego last fought in April against Jose de Jesus Macias. Santillan dropped Macias in the second round with a counter right hook, and from that point forward, established the tempo he needed to easily defeat the lanky striker from Mexico by unanimous decision. “I’ve stayed busy since my last fight,” Santillan said. “We’ve been in the gym working on different things. I’ll be ready to go.”

Also on the undercard is Featherweight Ruben Villa, 1-0, 1 KO of Salinas, California, who turned professional in July after a stellar career in the U.S. amateurs, fights Jose Mora , 0-0, 1 NC of Tijuana, Mexico in a 4 rounds bout. Villa is co-promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions. Villa had plenty of ring time in as an amateur, going 166-17. He is a two-time Golden Gloves national champion and a two-time Junior Olympics national champion. Last year he competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, finishing runner-up. It was his last major event before this week’s decision to go pro. In Villa’s first fight he took on Gerardo Molina, Villa struck early and often with a counter left hook that put Molina on his heels and onto the canvas. Moments later, Villa rocked Molina with a flurry of punches, knocking him out at the 2:25 mark of the opening round.

Other bouts include featherweight prospect Erick Ituarte, 14-1, 2 KO’s of Santa Ana, California as he faces Alberto Mora, 5-4, 1 KO, of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in an 8 rounds bout.

Lightweight Manuel Mendez, 11-1, 7 KO’s of Indio, California battles Erick Martinez, 12-5-1, 6 KO’s of Tijuana, Mexico in a bout set for 8 rounds.

And opening the “Locked N Loaded” event are bantamweights Danny Andujo, 1-0, 1 KO as he set to take on Cesar Guzman who is making his pro debut. Both fighters are from Temecula, California. The fight is scheduled for 4-rounds.

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