ALI VS. SANTANA: SADAM “WORLD KID” ALI FIGHT WEEK THOUGHTS

NEW YORK (April 23) – Undefeated welterweight star and former 2008 U.S. Olympian, Sadam “World Kid” Ali (21-0, 13 KOs) is getting ready to face Francisco “Chia” Santana (22-3, 11 KOs) as the co-main event for “The Champion Returns” the World Heavyweight Championship between undisputed heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko and top-rated challenger Bryant Jennings at “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden on Sat. April 25. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Ali took some time to give us his thoughts during fight week about his training, his opponent and fighting at the legendary Madison Square Garden. Below is what he had to say:

Thoughts on training and what fans should expect on April 25…

“I have been in training for eight weeks. Our focus for this camp has been to stay calm, be smart in the ring and adapt to whatever my opponent brings.

“On April 25 fans should expect a great performance. I will showcase my speed and power. The fight will be entertaining; two hungry fighters are going to go in the ring to win.

“I think fans will be surprised to see how I have grown as a fighter. My skill set has improved and just keep getting better. I am faster and stronger.”

Thoughts on Francisco Santana…

“Francisco is a tough fighter. I know he is coming off of a winning streak and is a hungry fighter. My strategy is to fight smart, stay focused, have a great defense. I need to make sure I am using my best assets in the ring: mind, speed, power.

“A win against Francisco Santana will be another step closer to my goal, to one day be a world champion. I just have to focus and get there one fight at a time.”

Thoughts on fighting at Madison Square Garden …

“Madison Square Garden is a historic place for boxing and fighting here makes it feel like everything that I have worked for in my career is now coming to life.

“The arena is in my home state and I am so happy that everyone can come out and support me. It’s amazing that I will get to fight in front of everyone in my hometown.

“It’s a dream to be able to fight on an amazing heavyweight main event, Klitschko vs. Jennings, at Madison Square Garden the most famous arena in New York. Also, being on HBO it can’t get any better than this in this at this stage of my career and I am excited that I get to be part of this event.”

Thoughts on Klitschko vs. Jennings…

“It’s going to be a great fight that the fans cannot miss.”

Predictions on Mayweather vs. Pacquiao or Canelo vs. Kirkland…

“These are the kind of fights fans want to see and these match ups are perfect for an entertaining night boxing on May 2 and May 9.”

Sadam Ali vs. Francisco Santana is a 10-round welterweight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions. The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Wladimir Klitschko vs. Bryant Jennings is presented by K2 Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions in association with Madison Square Garden.

Advance tickets to “The Champion Returns” may be purchased through the Madison Square Garden Box Office at www.TheGarden.com and through Ticketmaster, (www.Ticketmaster.com, phone 1-800-435-5000.)