Detroit's John "Action" Jackson (9-1, 9 KO's) who trains out of Miami and Angelo "The Cobra" Santana are now members of Don King Productions. 

John Jackson was a 2004 Ringside Champion who won several major events competing as an amateur with Emanuel Steward's Kronk Gym. He was signed 2-1/2 years ago and turned pro by Florida management "Wiz" Armando Fernandez, who built "Action" to a 9-1 record with 9 KO's. Jackson has power in both hands, as well as amazing boxing fundamentals and style. His only loss was a disputed split decision to tough Fernando Cordoba who was a 50 fight veteran at the time.   

The rash of defections from the Cuban National boxing team continued this month as a result of Fidel Castro's pull out from the World Championships in Chicago in October. Defection fears regarding the Championships were a direct result of Guillermo Rigondeaux, Cuba’s top boxer and a two-time Olympic bantamweight champion, and Erislandy Lara, an amateur welterweight world champion, who disappeared for two weeks during the Pan American Games in Brazil. Brazilian authorities returned the two MIA's to Cuba rather than face the wrath of Castro. 

“Cuba will not sacrifice one bit of honor, nor any of its ideas, for Olympic gold medals,” Castro wrote regarding the event.  

Two-time national champion Angelo Santana Diaz was prevented from competing in the Pan Am Games due to, "Him being the only light skinned boxer on the team and the fact he had family in the United States," reported Angelo's Cuban-American manager Armando "Wiz" Fernandez. 

Fifteen  days ago, the 130-pound Angelo Santana Diaz,  a seven time regional champion in Cuba and twice its national title holder, braved the crossing of the Caribbean, condemnation by his country's leader, and fear of reprisal to his parents still in Cuba to follow his dream to become a World Champion. 

Angelo's defection was forced on him as a direct result of Castro's banning Cuban fighters from the World Championships. 

Ten days ago I became aware of Angelo's defection, long before Fidel, who honestly may not know to this day that another one of his stars has fled his "Utopian" nation.  

For the fighter's protection I placed a couple of calls and Don King Productions responded as they always have for the underdog in boxing, and through Rick Glaser, Angelo and his manager Armando Fernandez, who was instrumental in arraigning his fighter's escape, sat down yesterday with Don King.

When the meeting broke up Angelo "The Cobra" Santana -as his professional name will be- was a member of DKP. 

It is reported that Jackson will fight in Sacramento on October 29th against TBA and Santana will make his US debut in Chicago (without the Cuban team) in October....