SANTA, YNEZ (January 5, 2015) – Gary Shaw Productions welterweight contender, Francisco Santana (21-3-1, 10 KOs) has a new opponent for this Fridays “ESPN Friday Night Fights” show at the Chumash Casino. Santana will now face undefeated prospect Kendal Mena (20-0, 11 KOs) of the Dominican Republic. Santana vs. Mena, a 10-round bout, will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round main event featuring WBA Interim lightweight champion Darleys Perez (31-1, 20 KOs) vs. Jonathan Maicelo (21-1, 12 KOs).
After an impressive win against Eddie Gomez (17-1, 10 KOs) at super-welterweight earlier this year, Santana feels he has the talent to become something special in the welterweight division.
“I was supposed to fight Sebastian Lujan and then Randall Bailey but both bouts fell out,” said Francisco Santana. “Now I’m fighting Mena who is undefeated, which is a fight I’m looking forward to. A win against Mena will be a nice nod on my record. I’m moving down to 147 for this fight. I know I can make some noise in the welterweight division. Gary Shaw, who is a man of his word, has promised me some big fights, so I’m going to do my best to perform to my best ability.”
“Santana is a throwback fighter and he’s willing to fight anyone to get to the top.” said Gary Shaw. “Mena is undefeated but I believe Santana has what it takes to come out on top. My undefeated featherweight sensation, Roman Morales, will be making his 2015 debut on this card as well. It’s gong to be a great show and I’m expecting a night filled with exciting fights.”
Undercard
8-Round Featherweight Bout
Roman Morales (18-0, 9 KOs) vs. Ernesto Guerrero (15-14, 10 KOs)
6-Round Heavyweight Bout
Jarrell Miller (10-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Aaron Kinch (5-3-2, 1 KO)
6-Round Female Attraction
Maria Suarez (8-1-1) vs. Jolene Blackshear (9-5, 4 KOs)
4-Round Featherweight Bout
Manuel Romero (0-2-2) vs. Oscar Rojas (0-1)
4-Round Female Attraction
Paula Estrada (0-1) vs. Kayana Rain (Pro Debut)
8-Round Heavyweight Bout
Mike Perez (20-1-1, 12 KOs) vs. TBA
The ESPN “Friday Night Fights” telecast begins Friday January 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST from the Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Tickets priced $35, $50, $65, $85, and $95 are on sale now and can be purchased at the Chumash Casino Box office or online at HERE. Doors open at 5:00 P.M, first fight starts at 5:30 P.M.
