Mares Sees Santa Cruz as Tougher Foe Than Gonzalez

By Miguel Rivera

Former three division world champion Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15KOs) is hoping to face WBC featherweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez or Leo Santa Cruz, who currently holds the WBC super bantamweight crown.

Mares was ill this past weekend and went forward with his scheduled fight against Arturo Santos, winning a ten round unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It was Mares' third consecutive victory since losing by way of a first round technical knockout to Gonzalez in August of 2013.

"I think both are dangerous with their styles. Jhonny is dangerous because of his punch, but [he doesn't do] pressure [fighting] or brings high stamina. And on the other side, Leo is a pressure fighter with endurance, courage, continues going undefeated. Both fights are equally complicated, but I lean towards Leo Santa Cruz as being a little more complicated because of his pressure, endurance and punch," Mares told ESPN Deportes.