Wilson set for colosseum test

Liam Wilson, from All Star Boxing Academy in Lawnton, will put his world title ambitions on the line again when he steps back into the ring this month.

The Caboolture resident will face Jorge Santana, from the Dominica Republic, who has replaced fellow countryman Sandy Montilla.

Santana, 24, will face Wilson over 10 rounds at Pat Rafter Arena, in the Queensland Tennis Centre at Tennyson on Thursday September 18.

Wilson, who was born in Redcliffe, describes Pat Rafter Arena as “unbelievable” and having a “colosseum feel to it”.

“And you all know what happened in the colosseum,” he said, at a media conference ahead of the No Limit Boxing promotion.

Top of the bill is an IBF welterweight world title eliminator featuring Queensland’s Liam Para and David Papot, from France.

Santana has won 15 of his 16 professional fights with nine knockouts and is described as having “great balance” and “great timing”.

He is looking to make his mark on the world stage and will be after Wilson’s WBO International Super featherweight belt.

However, the Caribbean visitor is not in the WBO’s top 15 super featherweight rankings and faces a two-time world title challenger.

Wilson, 29, has won 16 of his 19 professional fights, with eight knockouts and is currently ranked four in the division.

He has already fought twice this year, honouring a pledge to be busy while waiting for a third world title chance.

The WBO championship belt is currently held by Emanuel Navarette, who has also held the featherweight and junior featherweight titles.

Navarette’s clash with number one challenger Charley Suarez in May was ruled a “non-contest” due to an accidental headbutt which cut the champion.

The mandatory rematch has not yet been scheduled, forcing other challengers such as Wilson to wait for future openings.

Navarette controversially beat Wilson when given a 27-second count – rather than the mandatory 10 – when knocked down and losing his mouthguard.