Despite the muted tone of yesterday’s press conference kicking off the November 15th installment of Broadway Boxing, both Edgar Santana (19-2, 12) and Curtis Stevens (13-1, 11) were in good spirits. Lou DiBella’s impending card promises some exciting performances, the other half of the Chin Checkers, Jaidon Codrington (12-1, 10), will be back with Stevens, but leaves little room for surprises like Stevens previous outing that brought the first setback to his previously unblemished record.   

Still three weeks away, there is an inconspicuous gap in the night’s main event as Santana’s opponent remains unnamed.  Santana, who is naturally reserved and prefers to let his succinct and dangerous fists to do his talking, is unconcerned.  He has rattled off 10 straight victories on New York City’s most prevalent club show, and is confident that both his hand and foot speed will give him a significant advantage over whomever is in the ring against him next month. “I don’t like to make predictions, you know about knockouts or nothing like that,” said Santana, “but I’m in the best shape of my life.”   

Although Santana contains professional diplomacy when discussing his next fight, he is somewhat more revealing regarding his hopes for 2007.  With his new found knockout power, it seems only natural that Santana begins to consider stiffer competition next year and possibly a larger payday.  The latter, he indicates being the most important.  After all, he already saw fellow DiBella boxer Paulie Malignaggi (21-1, 5) make the step up to the national spotlight in his most gutsy performance, 12-round unanimous decision loss to WBC champion Miguel Cotto.  “That was an inspiring match, Cotto’s a great fighter and we are both Puerto Ricans.  But Paulie and I are good friends and I was rooting for him that night,” said Santana.  Santana would not rule out the possibility of facing off against Malignaggi, but added it would need to be at the right time and for “good money.”    

Yet, that time could be fast approaching.  Cotto, following the ongoing trend of junior welterweight’s titlists, has bumped up leaving another vacant title and the division wide open.  The week before Santana’s 22nd professional bout, New York City will host a heated bout between two other local junior welterweights who are hungering for that that next step.  Bronx natives Joey Rios (14-0, 6) and Francisco Figueroa (13-2, 10) will technically be battling for Figueroa’s New York State Title at Madison Square Garden on November 11 undercard of the highly touted Klitschko v. Brock fight.  But there is more at stake than simple hardware as the two put their skills to the test in a dangerous contest.  The victor will should be lifted to the top of city’s crowded talent pool, while the loser will likely have to rebuild a newly damaged reputation. Again, Santana said he would consider a bout against the winner of the local grudge match but only for the right price.  “We would have to be the main event of a big show,” he said.   

While Santana considers his next big move, a relaxed and motivated Stevens was happy to assume his role amongst his dedicated Brooklyn fan base.  His uncle and trainer, Andre Rozier is geared up for the fight, calling it an “affirmation” match that should erase the memories of the stoppage Marcos Primera (20-15-2, 13) scored in the waning seconds of their first eighth round August match-up.  “We are ready to go 40 rounds, but he’s not getting out of the first,” said Rozier.  Stevens belayed a rare mix of humility and bravado leading up to the fight, which he admits has taken on a more personal dimension.  “There’s no excuse for getting caught with a good shot.  I didn’t see it coming and he got me a little cobby webbed,” said Stevens, speckled in blue diamonds, custom sneakers and oversized Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses.  “I can’t play with him this time.  I’m going to straight murda his ass.”   

Stevens had more reason to smile considering he’ll be sharing undercard honors once again with his stalemate and fellow knockout artist Codrington, who has been fighting quietly since his defeat to Allan Green late last year.  “You know what it is with me and Jaidon back together. The Chin Checkers will be unleashing early as usual,” Stevens said.

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