Boxing Match Preview: Giovani Santillan (34-1-0, 18 KOs) vs. Courtney Pennington (17-11-3, 7 KOs)
Giovani Santillan (34-1-0, 18 KOs), the hard-hitting southpaw from San Diego, California, returns to action against veteran journeyman Courtney Pennington (17-11-3, 7 KOs), the resilient orthodox fighter from El Paso, Texas. This 10-round super welterweight bout serves as a featured undercard attraction on the Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou event, providing Santillan an opportunity to rebound from his 2024 loss and build momentum toward another title shot, while Pennington aims to spoil the party with his experience and upset potential. Santillan’s precision power clashes with Pennington’s durability in a matchup that could end early if Santillan lands clean or grind into a decision if Pennington absorbs and counters effectively.
Venue Location
The fight will be held at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This 18,500-capacity arena is a staple for Top Rank events, known for its vibrant atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile Puerto Rican fighters like Xander Zayas.
Ring walks are scheduled for 5:30 PM EST (2:30 PM PST / 10:30 PM GMT). Ring walks for Santillan vs. Pennington are expected around 7:00-8:00 PM EST (4:00-5:00 PM PST / 12:00-1:00 AM GMT on February 1), broadcast via Top Rank Classics (free on platforms like Roku, Tubi, Vizio, and Pluto TV).
Injury Report
No injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into the bout. Both completed full training camps without disruptions, and recent previews confirm no health concerns or setbacks as of January 2026. Santillan has emphasized his conditioning post his 2024 knockout loss, while Pennington’s veteran resilience suggests he’s entering in solid form.
Fighter Matchups
This super welterweight undercard bout contrasts Santillan’s southpaw precision and power with Pennington’s orthodox durability and experience, creating a prospect-vs-veteran dynamic at 154 pounds.
Giovani Santillan (5’8″, 68.5″ reach, southpaw): A technical puncher with a 53% KO rate, Santillan excels in mid-range exchanges, using his jab to set up heavy hooks and body shots. His southpaw stance aids in angles and counters, but he can be vulnerable if drawn into brawls against durable opponents.
Courtney Pennington (5’8″, orthodox): A compact veteran with a 41% KO rate, Pennington relies on forward pressure, body work, and resilience to outlast foes. His style suits grinding wars, but slower footwork leaves him open to quicker, more precise fighters.
Key Stylistic Clash: Santillan’s southpaw counters and movement vs. Pennington’s orthodox pressure and durability. Santillan must dictate range with his jab and angles to avoid Pennington’s inside game, where body shots could slow him down.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Santillan’s youth (34 vs. Pennington’s 39) and higher KO rate provide finishing potential, but his recent loss highlights vulnerabilities to power; Pennington’s experience (31 fights vs. 35) and never-been-stopped chin offer upset value, though his record shows losses to ranked contenders.
X-Factor: Pennington’s durability—if he survives Santillan’s early power, his pressure could force a late-round grind; if Santillan exploits openings, his precision could lead to a stoppage.
Recent Form
Santillan has shown resilience after his first loss, while Pennington alternates wins and losses against solid opposition.
Giovani Santillan (Last 5: W-W-L-KO-W):
May 10, 2025: UD 10 vs. Angel Beltran Villa (dominant decision, rebounding strongly).
December 7, 2024: UD 1 vs. Fredrick Lawson (quick win, though details sparse).
May 18, 2024: L KO 10 vs. Brian Norman Jr. (first career loss, stopped late).
October 21, 2023: KO 6 vs. Alexis Rocha (statement win).
July 22, 2023: UD 10 vs. Erick Bone (solid decision).
Form Notes: Santillan has won 4 of his last 5, with 2 stoppages, averaging ~7.4 rounds per fight recently. His power and volume shine, but the Norman loss exposed chin concerns.
Courtney Pennington (Last 5: L-W-L-W-KO):
September 20, 2025: L vs. Grant Flores (details not specified, but a setback against a prospect).
Earlier 2025: KO 10 in a win (strong finish).
Prior: RTD 6 loss, UD 10 win (mixed results against mid-level foes).
Form Notes: Pennington has alternated outcomes, with 3 wins in last 5 including 1 KO, averaging ~8.7 rounds. His durability stands out, but losses to better competition highlight limitations.
| Fighter | Last 5 Record | KO % (Career) | Avg. Rounds Last 5 | Key Stat |
| Giovani Santillan | W-W-L-KO-W | 53% | 7.4 | Southpaw precision |
| Courtney Pennington | L-W-L-W-KO | 41% | 8.7 | Veteran durability |
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Santillan and Pennington, with no prior head-to-head encounters or shared opponents. Santillan, debuting in 2012, has built his record against rising contenders, while Pennington, also debuting in 2012, has more fights but against varied regional opposition.
FIGHT ODDS
Giovani Santillan – 700
Courtney Pennington + 500
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2025
