Yan Santana has a tough test ahead of him, but he has his sights set on WBC featherweight titleholder Bruce Carrington.

Santana will face Cristian Cruz on Saturday at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Santana, 16-0 (13 KOs), aims to have a big 2026. He is starting the year off with his sixth consecutive 10-round fight. Cruz, 24-7-2 (12 KOs), might not have a sexy record, but he has an impressive recent run of fights. Cruz defeated Jeremy Hill in September and followed that performance with a draw against Muhammad Yaqubov. The Yaqubov bout was fought at junior lightweight. 

Santana has title aspirations, and signed with Top Rank, the promoter currently promotes three of the four division belt-holders. Santana knows which titleholder he wants to face. 

“‘Shu Shu’ [Carrington], you’re next, bro,” Santana said via translator. 

Santana of La Romana, Dominican Republic, has heavy Puerto Rican backing. He is co-promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, and his head trainer is Puerto Rican boxing coach Millo Lozada. That could serve him well if a bout with Carrington were to be made in New York City. Carrington is from Brooklyn, New York, and New York City has a large Puerto Rican population, who might be enticed to watch Santana fight.

First, Santana has to make the most of the opportunity, as it is the first Top Rank card on DAZN, headlined by Keyshawn Davis versus Nahir Albright II. A lot of eyes will be on the card and undercard, as he looks to separate himself from his peers. 

“This fight is to put everyone on notice in the division,” Santana said. “I want other fighters to know they should avoid me after this, because I come with a hunger and strength that they can’t possibly understand. I will not allow myself to lose.”

Santana, 26, holds wins over Aaron Alameda and Eduardo Baez. Cruz, a 29-year-old from Tijuana, Mexico, given his recent hot streak, is the most confident fighter Santana has faced as a pro.

“I think he is a very small fighter, but he is a warrior. He is small not just in his height and size, but also in his ability. I don’t think he will give me any problems, I have fought opponents who are much stronger than him,” said Santana.

“It is not arrogance, it is confidence.”