The Cuban boxing community in South Florida is once again in the spotlight for reasons outside the ring. Frank Zaldívar Santiesteban, a Miami based fighter, has been involved in a serious criminal case that remains under active investigation by local authorities.
According to official records from the county correctional system, Zaldívar Santiesteban, 29, was arrested on April 6, 2026, and is being held without bond. He faces charges including attempted murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault. The case remains open as investigations continue and the judicial process unfolds.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning and left a man severely injured by stab wounds. According to the victim, he and Zaldívar-Santiesteban engaged in a physical struggle during which the victim was able to disarm him and stab him multiple times in self-defense.
The victim was later found at a gas station on West Flagler Street in critical condition and rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital for specialized care due to chest wounds and a punctured lung.
Hours later, Zaldívar-Santiesteban was located near Northwest 42nd Avenue and Northwest 7th Street, covered in blood and partially wrapped in a white sheet. He initially refused to identify himself to officers, forcing authorities to confirm his identity using a fingerprint scanner while he received treatment at the Ryder Trauma Center.
During questioning, a detective reported that Zaldívar-Santiesteban claimed the incident stemmed from an argument with “his brother, whom he loves,” and added that he “does not care what happens to him; only God can judge him,” according to the report.
Zaldívar Santiesteban appeared before a judge on Tuesday via video call from a hospital bed. The magistrate ordered him held without bond while the judicial process continues.
No official statements have been released by his team, and his legal representation has not been disclosed. As is standard in such cases, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
From a sports perspective, the incident could have significant consequences for his professional career. Zaldívar Santiesteban had been slowly working his way through the competitive professional boxing circuit. His last fight took place last year in Las Vegas, where he lost to undefeated prospect Curmel Moton, marking his most recent ring appearance.
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses. The case will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office to determine formal charges and court dates, including a potential arraignment.
Records also show that Zaldívar Santiesteban has prior legal issues. On August 9, 2025 he was arrested in Key West by the Monro County Sheriff’s Office facing charges including trespassing, possession of marijuana (under 20 grams), possession of drugs for personal use, and a felony for tampering with evidence. He was held on a $7,000 bond.
This incident adds to an earlier arrest on July 21, 2025, when he was detained for driving without a valid license, highlighting a recent pattern of legal troubles now amplified by the current case.
