By Miguel Rivera
On August 29th at the Staples Center in Carson, California, undefeated Leo Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17KOs) will start his quest for a third divisional title when he faces hometown rival Abner Mares (29-1), a former three division world champion.
Santa Cruz, 26-years-old, is not planning to stop at 126-pounds. He wants to continue moving up the ranks, climbing up in weight, and capturing plenty of world titles along the way. If everything goes as planned, he wants to eventually reach the junior welterweight division.
"I want to be remembered as a great Mexican champion in different divisions. I've been champion in two divisions. I want to be champion at 126 and then at 130, 135 and up to 140 - to be remembered as a great Mexican champion and to be inducted to the Hall of Fame," Santa Cruz said.
Santa Cruz says 140 is very possible. When he's not in the ring, his walking weight is around 140. But feels if he continues to put on hard mass, he will be a natural junior welterweight by the time he reaches that division.
"Right now my body almost goes to 140 without training. And with work and gaining more body mass, with time, I will naturally get to 140," Santa Cruz said.