In 2015, B. Santana (left) was preparing to play Maguila in theaters. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @babusantana
One of the biggest distractions for a portion of the Brazilian population during the quarantine period has been watching BBB (Big Brother Brasil) 20. In the final stretch of the program, actor Babu Santana has been gaining the sympathy of many viewers. Famous for having played 'Tim Maia' in the cinema in 2014, many don't know that, after the film, he got ready to play the boxer Maguila on the 'screen'.
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In a report shown in 2015, by 'Globoesporte.com', Babu spoke excitedly about the opportunity to play one of the biggest names in Brazilian boxing of all time. Overweight after playing Tim, the actor showed his preparation to lose around 25kg. and being able to represent the famous heavyweight. In a conversation with the team, Santana spoke about the expectation of being able to tell the idol's story.
“We are talking about a guy who is one of the heroes of black people in Brazil. I really admired Ayrton Senna, but Tim Maia, Maguila... I don't know, I have to rack my brains to remember another icon”, said Babu.
For more than five years, Maguila has been fighting a tough battle against 'Dementia Pugilística', a condition suffered due to years of receiving blows to the head. At the time, the illness prevented the actor from meeting the boxing legend due to the fragility of the former athlete.
“I haven't met Maguila yet, but I've already made a recording for him. He wasn't able to receive a visit, but it's a great honor to be able to tell his story. I'm studying better to find out more about his record and I already told him that they found a handsome guy, like him, to play him”, joked Santana.
Boxing lovers, at the time, were excited to hear about the production of a feature film about José Adilson dos Santos, known as Maguila. However, unfortunately, the project ended up not getting off the ground and was shelved due to lack of funds.
While confined in the Big Brother house, 'Globoesporte' recently returned to the Vidigal (RJ) community, where Santana had begun his preparation to play José in cinemas, and spoke with Raff Giglio, responsible for sharpening Babu's boxing. The coach regretted the fact that the film had not been produced and praised de Santana's commitment to training.
" They lost sponsorship or something, they suspended recording. She stopped training. Babu was very sad, he was 'tied up' with the project. He dreams of returning to active duty. Babu is great, a great actor and was doing well. When we reactivate this project, he will certainly come here to train again with great desire”, said Raff.
Until he resumes his dream of being able to reproduce Maguila's life, Babu remains one of the last 10 participants in the program, which started with 20 competitors and ends on April 23. On the internet, Santana's popularity continues to increase, especially after the creation of hashtag #TeamBabu.
O hyping about Babu is so much that even Maguila himself expressed his support for the actor. On Santana's official Twitter account, the person responsible for administration published, on March 17, a speech by the former boxer in support of the competitor.
“Speak, Babu, this is Maguila. Here's everyone rooting for you to stay (on the show). Stay, Babu”, said the legendary boxer.
Listen to the Champion #maguila
Stay babuuuuuuu
Let's go to GSHOW
Click on the link and vote #forapyong
💻: https://t.co/dtXhqOlNvO pic.twitter.com/QgDi4CO8oa— Babu Santana 🐻 (@BabuSantana) March 17, 2020
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