19.09.07 – By Keith Terceira: Detroit’s John “Action” Jackson (9-1, 9Ko’s) who trains out of Miami and Angelo “The Cobra” Santana are now members of Don King Productions. John Jackson who was a 2004 Ringside Champion and won several major events competing as an amateur with Emanuel Stewards Kronk Gym was signed 2 1/2 years ago and turned pro by Florida management “Wiz” Armando Fernandez. Building “Action” to a 9-1 record with 9 Ko’s Jackson has power in both hands and amazing boxing fundamentals & style. His only loss was in a disputed split decision facing the tough Fernado Cordoba who was a 50 fight veteran at the time.
The rash of defections from the Cuban National boxing team continued this month as a result of Fidel’s pull out from the World Championships in Chicago in October. Defection fears regarding the Championships were a direct result of Guillermo Rigondeaux, Cuba’s top boxer and a two-time Olympic bantamweight champion, and Erislandy Lara, an amateur welterweight world champion, who disappeared for two weeks during the PanAm in Brazil. Afterwards Brazil’s authorities returned the two MIA’s to Cuba rather than face the wrath of Castro.
“Cuba will not sacrifice one bit of honor, nor any of its ideas, for Olympic gold medals,” Castro wrote regarding the event.
Two time national champion Angelo Santana Diaz was prevented from competing in the Pan Am Games due to
“Him being the only light skinned boxer on the team and the fact he had family in the United States” reported Angelo’s Cuban American manager Armando “Wiz” Fernandez.
Fifteen days ago the 130 pound Angelo Santana Diaz who was a seven time regional champion in Cuba and twice its national title holder braved the crossing of the Caribbean, condemnation by his country’s leader, and fear of reprisal to his parents still in Cuba to follow a dream to become a World Champion.
His defection was forced on him as a direct result of Castro’s banning Cuban fighters from the World Championships.
Ten days ago I became away of Angelo’s defection, long before Fidel’s who honestly may not know to this day that another of his stars has fled his “Utopian” nation.
For the fighters protection I placed a couple of calls and Don King Productions responded as they always have for the underdog in boxing and through Rick Glaser, Angelo and his management Armando Fernandez who was instrumental in arraigning his fighters escape, sat down yesterday with Don King.
When the meeting broke up Angelo “The Cobra” Santana as his profession name will be was a member of DKP.
It is reported that Jackson will fight in Sacramento on October 29th against TBA and Santana will make his US debut in Chicago (without the Cuban team) in October….
Listen to Angelo”The Cobra” Santana tell his dramatic story to Bill Calogero and former Olympic team member Alex Ramos who was also prevented from Gold medal dreams by politics tonight on Talkinboxing with Billy C between 6-8 PM est on www.TPSRadio.net or www.talkinboxing.com