By Miguel Rivera
Leo Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17KOs) is looking for new challenges in the featherweight division, and another world title. Santa Cruz captured a world title at bantamweight and still holds the WBC championship at 122.
Santa Cruz made his featherweight debut on the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao undercard with a ten round decision victory over Jose Cayetano.
Since his victory in March over mandatory challenger Cristian Mijares, Santa Cruz has been the subject of criticism over facing when many consider to be overmatched opponents.
Santa Cruz is looking at a fall return and says California rival Abner Mares is a possible opponent.
"We moved up to see how we feel, to look for a title in this division and there are good fighters. There are good fighters in this division, and there would be a good fight for all the fans. First I want that fight with Mares. It may possibly happen by September or by the end of the year. It would be a fight for the fans," Santa Cruz said.
He denies the suggestion that he ran from a possible unification with Olympic gold medal winner Guillermo Rigondeaux, who holds the WBA/WBO titles.
"I want I fight him. I did get to fight with several fighters that I wanted, like Rigondeaux, and there is a chance of returning to 122 pounds to fight with them. I want to leave anything outstanding to make the fans happy. If I get the chance, I'd get down to 122 to fight [the fights they want]," Santa Cruz.
