When Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation welterweight champ Rev Santillan departs Manila today, there wont be much drum-beating but nonetheless he will be inspired by Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao in his March 19 defense of the title against Japanese Kazuhiko Hidaka at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
Santillan is set to defend his crown a day before Manny Pacquiao’s mammoth clash with Erik “El Terrible” Morales this Sunday, and the Iloilo-raised but Cebu-based power-puncher hopes he will start on a positive note for the Filipinos’ quest worldwide as among the best there is in the business.
The 26-year-old Santillan (21-1-1, 15 KO’s) flies on a Cathay Pacific flight this morning direct to Narita, Japan accompanied by trainer Brix Flores, Filipino fight judge Alex Vidal, and boxer Cesar Yarte, who is seeing action in the undercard. Santillan’s manager Rex “Wakee” Salud, who is seething he won’t be able to watch Manny Pacquiao in Vegas as he has to prioritize his ward, will depart tomorrow for Japan.
“I promise to defend my title at all cost. I hope the Filipinos will be victorious, including everybody’s idol Manny Pacquiao,” said the self-effacing 5-foot-11 golden boy, nicknamed “Gentle Giant” owing to his nice demeanor.
Santillan, however, is aware of the great threat that lies ahead, as he will be taking on an equally young and fellow southpaw Hidaka (20-4, 14 KO’s), who is considered an excellent prospect in Japan. The Japanese is on a five-bout winning streak since his failed attempt at the Japanese junior middleweight belt in 2003.
The Jaro, Iloilo-raised Santillan, who is also ranked no. 6 by the World Boxing Council, has sparred more than 100 rounds at the Wakee Salud and ALA Gyms of Cebu against Dexter Delada, Ramil Caballes, Dondon Sultan and WBF junior welter champ Dindo Castanares.
