Leo Santa Cruz Sees Mares As Path To Regain Fans

By Miguel Rivera

Leo Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17KOs) is looking to regain the faith of the fans, and says a fight with Southern California rival Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15KOs) is the way back.

Fans have been attacked Santa Cruz for lack of top opponents in his recent ring appearances. Santa Cruz has taken part in some mismatches with Miguel Roman, Jesus Ruiz and Jose Cayetano.

Mares, a former three division world champion, has been trying to rebuild himself since the knockout loss to Jhonny Gonzalez in August of 2013. He's won three straight since then.

"The fight against Mares would fulfill one of my dreams. It is a fight that is going to give me credibility since now the fans are saying that I am not facing opponents of a good level and I believe that fighting with Mares will get them to regain their faith in me again and get their respect," Santa Cruz said.