Santiago trains hard, eats clean, dominates in boxing, and shines in every sport he touches—his dedication is unmatched.
Thank you for generously supporting Santiago in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
Santiago loves boxing because it pushes him to be his best every single day. He thrives on the discipline, focus, and drive it takes to train and compete. The challenge of stepping into the ring fuels his passion, and he sees each match as a chance to grow. Win or lose, he respects the sport, the competition, and the journey it takes to become a true champion inside and out.
Santiago is inspired by his dad, who’s been his coach since day one, and by his favorite pros Emiliano Vargas and Teofimo Lopez, whose passion fuels his own. His brother motivates him to keep going, and every young boxer he spars with helps him grow. Their support and drive push him to be better every time he steps into the ring.
My proudest moments as Santiago’s mom happen every time he steps into the ring with heart and courage. Watching him compete against some of the best, never backing down, fills me with pride. But it’s not just fight day—it’s his daily motivation, waking up early, training hard, and staying focused on his goals. His dedication and love for boxing show me the champion he truly is.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.