Giovani Santillan vs Abass Baraou

This is no soft homecoming for Giovani Santillan. The southpaw brings pressure, grit and a serious engine, but Brian Norman Jr showed he can become predictable when walking forward and leaving his chin exposed. Abass Baraou is the naturally bigger man, with cleaner feet, sharper combinations and better recent form against strong opposition. Santillan must cut the ring, work the body and stop Baraou settling behind the jab. Baraou’s key is the right uppercut as Santillan leans in, then turning away before the return. I expect a hard, competitive fight, but Baraou’s craft and size should eventually tell. Baraou wins a clear unanimous decision over ten rounds.