Leo Santa Cruz Wants To Reach The Lightweight Division

By Miguel Rivera

BoxingScene.com's Ben Jacobs first reported that a deal was reached for Leo Santa Cruz to defend his title against former IBF super bantamweight beltholder Kiko Martinez, likely on February 20th in Los Angeles.

According to Leo's father and trainer, Jose Santa Cruz, the next fight is indeed looking like it's going to be against Martinez. He said the fight is tentative for February 20th or the 27th, in California. Showtime is slated to be the network of choice to televise the contest.

Santa Cruz has captured world titles at bantamweight, super bantamweight and last year he moved up to capture the WBA featherweight world title with a twelve round decision win over Abner Mares at Staples Center.

He wants more belts and his father reveals that his son might climb as high as 135-pounds to capture a belt at lightweight. Should he succeed, Santa Cruz would close his career as a five division world champion.

"He says his desire is to reach 135 pounds, but it has to be gradual. Let's see how it goes this year [at the featherweight limit of 26], and then see if a good fight arrives at 130 pounds and then [we'll see about] 135 pounds," Jose told ESPN Deportes.

Martinez has won three fights in a row at the featherweight limit after suffering a two round knockout loss to current WBA super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg of the UK.