Bob Santos (boxing trainer)
Bob Santos | |
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Born | Robert Allen Santos |
Known for | Boxing trainer, manager, cutman |
Relatives | Luis Molina (cousin) |
Awards | 2022 Trainer of the Year |
Robert "Bob" Santos is an American boxing trainer,[1] manager,[2] and cutman. He was named Trainer of the Year[3][4] by both The Ring[5] and Sports Illustrated in 2022,[6][7][8] and is a well-known member of the boxing community.[9][10]
Early life and education
[edit]Santos was originally from San Jose, California,[3][10] where he graduated from San José High School at 17. His connection to boxing came through his family, especially through his maternal cousin, Luis Molina, who competed as a lightweight in the 1956 Summer Olympics.[11]
Career
[edit]Santos started working in construction after graduating high school, and in his early 20s became involved in coaching with featherweight titlist Héctor Lizárraga and trainers Joe Amato and Eddie Devine.[11] Other trainers who influenced him include Joe Goossen, Emanual Steward, Ronnie Shields, Ruben Guerrero, Joe Chávez, and Chuck Bodak.[8]
In 2022, Santos trained Dominican junior lightweight Hector Luis Garcia, who secured upset victories over Chris Colbert[12] in February and Roger Gutierrez in August. He also guided Dominican heavy underdog Alberto Puello[13] to the WBA junior welterweight title and Carlos Adames[14] to an interim middleweight belt.[11] Additionally, Santos worked with multi-division titleholder Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero[1][2][4] and junior middleweight/middleweight veteran Erislandy Lara.[10]
Santos has worked with notable names, including Joel Casamayor, David Morrell Jr.,[15] Mario Barrios,[16][17] Rances Barthelemy, Tomoki Kameda, Livingstone Bramble, Eros Correa, and Jose Celaya. Other boxers he was involved with include top contender Luis Nunez,[18] Cuban Olympian brothers Lenier and Dainier Pero,[19] WBA minimum world champion Erick Rosa,[20] and Amilcar Vidal.[8]
Awards
[edit]In 2022, Santos was awarded Trainer of the Year by Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated.[7] He was also nominated for the Boxing Writers Association of America's 2022 Trainer of the Year.[21][22]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Ketelle, Lukie (2022-12-20). "2022 Boxing Trainer Of The Year: Bob Santos". Inside the Ropes Boxing – Your #1 source for boxing news. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ a b Johns, Marquis (2021-04-29). "Demler "DJ" Zamora III Signs Management Deal With Bob Santos". Big Fight Weekend. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b Ketelle, Lucas (2024-03-18). "Trainer Bob Santos Credits Early Experiences, Club Shows for Success". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b Mannix, Chris (2022-12-30). "Boxing Awards 2022: Best Women's Fighter, Top Trainer and More". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Wright, Branson (2023-03-22). "Stephen 'Breadman' Edwards is training pro boxers his way". Andscape. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Mulvaney, Kieran (2023-03-27). "Santos Praises Benavidez for Plant Win, Hopes Morrell Can Be Next". proboxtv.com. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b Resendiz, Johnny (2023-12-09). "Former reality TV star Albert Ochoa looking to take over boxing". Channel 13 Las Vegas News KTNV. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b c "Bob Santos 2022 Ring Magazine and Sports Illustrated Trainer of the Year". philboxing.com. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Mishra, Mrinal (2023-04-22). "Bob Santos Makes an Intriguing Prediction About the Upcoming Jake Paul vs Nate Diaz Showdown". EssentiallySports. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b c Santoliquito, Joseph. "Trainer of the Year". The Ring. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ a b c Santoliquito, Joseph (2022-11-03). "Bob Santos might be the best trainer you've never heard of". The Ring. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Hector Garcia Trainer Bob Santos Discusses Gervonta Davis Fight - Latest Boxing News". www.boxing247.com. 2023-01-02. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Back working with Bob Santos in Las Vegas Mario "El Azteca" Barrios promises fireworks for hometown fans when he takes on Jovanie Santiago". britishboxingnews.co.uk. 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Woods, Michael (2023-03-16). "Top Trainers Look At Caleb Plant-David Benavidez Fight - NY FIGHTS". nyfights.com. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "David Morrell Jr's Coach Wants Benavidez, Sees Him As Less Talented - Boxing News 24". www.boxingnews24.com. 2023-05-02. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Eskdale, Jamie (2024-04-14). "Mario Barrios' Team Claims They Were Game For "Boots" - Boxing News 24". www.boxingnews24.com. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Whisler, John. "Mario Barrios' trainer blames foe for 'not trying to win'". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Kelly, Jack (2023-09-28). "Albert Ochoa signs managerial contract with Team Santos, Eyes pro debut in future". Inside the Ropes Boxing – Your #1 source for boxing news. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Boxing to 'Fear' best heavyweight brothers since the Klitschko's". World Boxing News. 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ "Unbeaten Cuban heavyweight contender Lenier Pero to now train under Bob Santos in Las Vegas". BoxeoMundial- La Meca del Boxeo. 2022-09-08. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ JSantoliquito (2023-01-09). "The BWAA Announces Its 2022 Annual Award Winners". boxingwriters. Retrieved 2024-05-17.
- ^ Magasela, Bongani (2022-12-22). "South African boxing trainer Colin Nathan nominated for prestigious award". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2024-05-17.