By Ryan Burton
Leo Santa Cruz (36-1-1) last fought in February when he won a dominant unanimous decision over Rafael Rivera in Los Angeles.
The 30-year Southern California based fighter hopes to get a big fight when he returns to the ring. As for a date, Santa Cruz expected to return this summer but says that he is now looking at a fall return.
"I want the fight against Gary Russell or Josh Warrington. I want those unification fights or maybe a third fight against Carl Frampton or even move up to 130 and fight Gervonta Davis. We are looking for another world title. We are three-division champions and we want to be a four-division so we are going to see what opponent they bring me and go from there," Santa Cruz told BoxingScene.com on Friday. "We wanted to go in August but it has been taking a little while so now I think we will move it back to November."
As for which fight is his preference, Santa Cruz said that he would love to face Davis next. Davis defends his WBA super featherweight title on Saturday against his mandatory challenger Ricardo Nuñez.
"I think Davis. I want that fourth title. He is undefeated so I know he is going to bring it. I know that I can beat him and it will be a great fight," said Santa Cruz.
The unbeaten Davis is widely considered one of the top two fighters at 130 pounds along with Miguel Berchelt. The best name on Davis' resume is two-division champion Jose Pedraza. Once you get past Pedraza, Davis' resume thins out considerably.
Santa Cruz believes that his high volume and pressure style is unlike anything Davis has faced before and he believes it would be too much for the Baltimore native.
"I just need to stay on top of him and to pressure him and throw a lot of punches. He has never faced a fighter that is on top of him that is putting on that pressure. He has beaten fighters that let him throw his punches and set up. I wouldn't let him set up. I am going to be on top of him and break him down and wear him out," Santa Cruz explained.
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