Edgar Santana is Puerto Rican boxer who competes in the welterweight (140lbs.) division. Edgar is known throughout the sport as “El Chamaco” or “The Kid” and has been campaigning as a professional fighter for 9 years. In that time the Manati, Puerto Rico native has amassed an impressive 24-3 record with 15 victories coming by way of knockout, including a third round destruction of Julio Cesar Chavez conqueror Grover Wiley.
“El Chamaco” who now fights out of Spanish Harlem, New York is a powerful boxer/puncher whose trademarks include a powerful overhand right and a deadly double left hook. However, Santana is also a very sound boxer who has polished his skills over the years under such legendary trainers as Hector Rocca and Felix Trinidad Sr., and is now under the guidance of former Nicaraguan Olympian Martin Gonzalez.
It was during his time with Team Trinidad, where he trained and sparred with the icon himself, “Tito” Trinidad, that Edgar began to develop a deep sense of pugilistic responsibility and pride. He committed himself to becoming a a torch bearer for the long standing fisic traditions of his native Puerto Rico, maintaining them with a low-key personality, a no non-sense attitude and most importantly, a leave it all in the ring style that has turned him into a clear fan favorite in New York.
However its not just in-ring fireworks, family and traditions that drive “El Chamaco”, he is also motivated by the desire to etch his name in the annals of boxing history alongside fellow countrymen Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Miguel Cotto and most recently Juan Manuel Lopez as a a peer… a world champion.
And to meet that goal he has set on climbing the ladder by beating quality opposition. And so in early 2008 Edgar signed to fight well regarded fellow prospect Josesito Lopez on national television via Showtime’s ShoBox: The New Generation, in a battle that would ultimately showcase his heart, strength, skill and unbreakable will to win.
Leading comfortably on all scorecards, Santana was caught by a perfect shot to the rib cage that forced him to take a knee. On the mat Santana took a deep breath, looked at his corner and got up. Moments later he got hit in the exact same spot, and again went down,but much to the dismay of his rival, valiantly rose to his feet, took an even deeper breath and roared back. Santana would then punish and pummel his Lopez in what long-time boxing writer and analyst Graham Houston called “one of the most exciting reversals of fortune in recent memory“. By the end of the fight Santana had taken everything out of Lopez and won by way of a hard fought and well earned majority decision.
With this most important of wins Edgar nthe eventuality of a title shot is a foregone conclusion. And now more than ever, Edgar looks to better his skills in the gym in preparation for the championship opportunity that will soon peak over the horizon.
Victory for family, pride and country… Hasta la victoria Siempre!
Edgar “El Chamaco” Santana
