12 junior-middleweight in the world, says he knows a victory over Baraou puts him right back in the division’s title picture. “This upcoming fight against Baraou is very important to me and to my career,” said Santillan. The fight against Santillan, says Baraou, can serve as a springboard back to another shot at the world belt. “This is a great matchup and a great opportunity for me to prove that I belong among the best,” said Baraou. 11-ranked “Venado” Lopez will be fighting for the third time since losing his IBF title to fellow ProBox Promotions stablemate Angelo Leo in August 2024.