By Miguel Rivera
Leo Santa Cruz (35-1-1, 19 KOs) has not yet finished digesting the rematch victory he had last month against division rival Abner Mares in Los Angeles, and he is already excited about the possibility of unifying world titles in December with another Mexican, Oscar Valdez, who recently launched a direct challenge.
According to Santa Cruz, he hopes to return to the ring in November or December, and that he would be happy to face Mares, Carl Frampton and even Gary Russell, the World Boxing Council champion, as long as it is the decision of his team and his manager.
"That challenge (from Oscar Valdez) is great," said Santa Cruz to ESPN Deportes. "It would be Mexican against Mexican, we already know that it is a guaranteed war, and if the promoters can reach an agreement - then it can be done... on my part it's a yes. To do that fight, it's nothing more that the promoters reaching an agreement and then it is done."
Regarding the battle with Mares, he said he was surprised by the intelligence and power from Abner, but shared that he also made the necessary adjustments.
"He was smarter, more cautious, he did not go for me, he went after me with better punches this time than in the first fight.. he moved more, but we kept him outside, we looked for distance because of our greater reach, and when he made attempts to come in we would counterattack. It was a good fight and close, but we came out with the victory," Santa Cruz said.
"And if people want the third one with Abner, I'm willing. If people want the trilogy, we can do it, it's for the people to decide. All of these fights interest me, they are the ones we want, with the best, Oscar Valdez is a champion, there is Frampton.
"Rey Vargas is a good fighter, he's tall to make 126 and if he wants we can give him the opportunity, it'll be a great fight, I'm willing to fight him/ Russell is a WBC champion, I want belts, he's a great fighter , if the opportunity comes, of course we can fight with him."