Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares

[bojangles1987]

I actually thought they was fighting each other when they had their Press Conference but that is not the case instead they are just fight on the same card. That is good news for Leo because I don't think he is ready for Abner JUST YET. But clearly GBP is working to make that a Huge Match Up by putting them on the same card.

But right now I like Mares beats Leo Santa Cruz, too seasoned and too battle tested Leo at the moment. I would actually like to see Leon take on some of Mares Previous Opponents like Chemito Moreno, Joseph Agbeko, Ponce De Leon and guys like that before jumping in with Mares

They wanted to make Santa Cruz-Moreno for the May-Guerrero card. That would have been great.

[mconstantine]

They haven't seen the type of pressure that Santa Cruz brings. It all depends, you could be right but I have no doubt that Cruz will touch both of them often and early. His left hook to the body alone is a great weapon to slow guys like that down.

Fair enough, I'm just excited about the clash of styles and what Cruz brings.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I think that Santa Cruz vs. Rigo wouldn't even be competitive. Donaire would at least trade with him and likely stop him because I think Donaire would be too big/strong. But Santa Cruz wouldn't be able to catch Rigo...I will break down to you why.

Some guys can move forward and pressure and have the hand and foot speed to quickly counter AS their opponent punches at them as they come in. Gary Russell Jr and Floyd Mayweather are good examples. They can apply pressure in a way that allows them to QUICKLY counter even when moving forward IN rhythm with their opponent's punches. This means that as they pressure, and their opponent punches to neutralize the pressure, they can quickly take advantage.

Santa Cruz on the other hand (like Margarito) has heavier feet and are forced to pressure with their hands straight up...so in order for them to get their offense off when pressuring, their opponent has to 1. Be in front of them 2. Stopped punching because they aren't in rhythm type counter punchers. They punch AFTER their guy has stopped...and what I'm telling you is Rigo and Donaire would likely get their shiet off and be gone before Santa Cruz could respond.

Refer to Pacquiao vs. DLH or Margarito for examples.

[The Big Dunn]

They wanted to make Santa Cruz-Moreno for the May-Guerrero card. That would have been great.

you cant go wrong with Leo in the semi main on any ppv. Guaranteed to bring action and keep people tuned in.

[mconstantine]

Yea, Santa Cruz vs. Moreno would be a great test. Honestly, I think Moreno wins. Again, I love Cruz and he is an EXCELLENT straight up, classic boxer, but that style unravels FAST against guys who are slick with quick feet and hands.

[Cuauhtémoc1520]

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I think that Santa Cruz vs. Rigo wouldn't even be competitive. Donaire would at least trade with him and likely stop him because I think Donaire would be too big/strong. But Santa Cruz wouldn't be able to catch Rigo...I will break down to you why.

Some guys can move forward and pressure and have the hand and foot speed to quickly counter AS their opponent punches at them as they come in. Gary Russell Jr and Floyd Mayweather are good examples. They can apply pressure in a way that allows them to QUICKLY counter even when moving forward IN rhythm with their opponent's punches. This means that as they pressure, and their opponent punches to neutralize the pressure, they can quickly take advantage.

Santa Cruz on the other hand (like Margarito) has heavier feet and are forced to pressure with their hands straight up...so in order for them to get their offense off when pressuring, their opponent has to 1. Be in front of them 2. Stopped punching because they aren't in rhythm type counter punchers. They punch AFTER their guy has stopped...and what I'm telling you is Rigo and Donaire would likely get their shiet off and be gone before Santa Cruz could respond.

Refer to Pacquiao vs. DLH or Margarito for examples.

I think you severely underestimate Cruz. He doesn't move anything like Marg, I said he has the stamina of Marg but he is much quicker of foot and uses his jab exceptionally.

I think he gives both of them serious issues. He walks them down and sooner or later will touch them. Now I can see him losing by UD against either but I think Cruz punches harder than most think and moves much better cutting off the ring in a very intelligent way.

[DudeN561]

Santa Cruz - Mares would be a fight for the ages. Santa Cruz is still relatively green but I feel he would give Mares hell and then some. At the moment I would go with Mares but I can see a tie or close decision for either of them. It could become the next great featherweight trilogy.

[apocalypto]

the way he systematically broke down DPDL was nasty...and Sta Cruz is like a mini-Margs on crack


this indeed could be the next great trilogy...someone tweet GBP

Lol that is what golden boy is working on. That is why they keeo on putting them in the same card. They are building this fight in a good way cant wait till they get in the ring together. This has morales barrera written all over it

[Tay Roc]

I like both a lot, but Mares is on a different level. Mares has been fighting and beating studs for past few years. I'd like to see Santa Cruz fight better competition and see if he has a chin or not. Maybe in a couple years, when he is seasoned and hones his skills, he will be ready for Mares. But right now, Mares wrecks Santa Cruz.

Isn't Santa Cruz just moving up to 122? Mares might be at 130 in a couple of years.