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by David P. Greisman - Leo Santa Cruz had just fought and won against by far the most accomplished opponent he’d ever faced. Nevertheless, it didn’t take too long after this victory over Abner Mares for people to look toward his next best available option.
They need not have waited. They had already waited long enough for Santa Cruz-Mares.
Those who were looking forward to Santa Cruz-Mares felt that way because they believed the fighters’ aggressive styles would mesh well. They were right. The bout this past Saturday was enjoyable, with Mares coming out aggressively and Santa Cruz responding, adjusting, and then using a combination of volume punching and footwork to take a clear majority decision.
But those who were looking forward to Santa Cruz-Mares also had to wait through some frustrating times. It said a lot that Santa Cruz was only just now stepping up to this level of opposition. It said a lot that Mares was only just now returning to facing this quality of foe.
It’s funny to think that, given that Santa Cruz burst on the scene just a little more than three years ago. From June through December 2012 he appeared on television four times, capturing a world title at bantamweight and defending it three times, garnering attention and cultivating the beginning of a fan base with a style that seemingly started with offense and ended with even more offense. [Click Here To Read More]
They need not have waited. They had already waited long enough for Santa Cruz-Mares.
Those who were looking forward to Santa Cruz-Mares felt that way because they believed the fighters’ aggressive styles would mesh well. They were right. The bout this past Saturday was enjoyable, with Mares coming out aggressively and Santa Cruz responding, adjusting, and then using a combination of volume punching and footwork to take a clear majority decision.
But those who were looking forward to Santa Cruz-Mares also had to wait through some frustrating times. It said a lot that Santa Cruz was only just now stepping up to this level of opposition. It said a lot that Mares was only just now returning to facing this quality of foe.
It’s funny to think that, given that Santa Cruz burst on the scene just a little more than three years ago. From June through December 2012 he appeared on television four times, capturing a world title at bantamweight and defending it three times, garnering attention and cultivating the beginning of a fan base with a style that seemingly started with offense and ended with even more offense. [Click Here To Read More]
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