This Saturday, June 9th, Leo Santa Cruz (34-1-1, 19KO’s) will be defending his World Boxing Association (WBA) Super World Featherweight Title against Abner Mares (31-2-1, 15KO’s) in a rematch, with their first bout taking place back in August of 2015.
The highly anticipated rematch will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and be televised on Showtime premium network. The first bout was a very action packed one, with both fighters combining to throw over 2,000 punches.
“He says he is going to box me more this time, but it’s easier to say that than to do it,” Santa Cruz said recently. “When you get in the ring and hear the fans, they make you want to brawl. Once you hear the crowd you want to entertain them. You love to hear the people scream.”
Since the first fight Santa Cruz has fought at a very high level, including two fights against Carl Frampton that were very highly anticipated and big draws. They were great learning experience fights for Santa Cruz, as he lost the first bout but looked better than ever in the rematch that he won.
“I’ve learned a lot since the first Mares fight,” said Santa Cruz, “I’ve learned how to adjust during a fight better I am a more complete fighter and it’s going to help me look even better this time.”
Mares has went undefeated since the first bout with Santa Cruz; stringing together two nice victories over Jesus Cuellar and Andres Gutierrez.
“I cannot go in there with the same exact mentality as last time and try to knock Leo’s head off,” Mares said recently. “I have power but I’m not a one-punch knockout artist. The difference between our fight in 2015 and now is that I’m a more mature and seasoned fighter. I’ve been in this sport a long time, and now with having Robert Garcia in my corner, he’s really helped my mental game and given me great guidance.”
Mares is ready for the absolute best version of Santa Cruz and no doubt expects a very tough fight once again seeing as Santa Cruz is in his fighting prime and looks better than ever recently.
“We knew last time, and we know going into this fight, that Leo is a volume puncher. He comes forward and tries to tire you out. But I know that he is also a vulnerable fighter and I just have to take advantage of it this time.”
The table is set for an exciting matchup between the volume punching champion Santa Cruz and the highly experienced and battle tested veteran in Mares; may the best man win, can’t wait for Saturday.
