Mexican featherweight stars Leo Santa Cruz – 30-0-1, 17 KOs – and Abner Mares – 29-1-1, 15 KOs – have won world title in multiple divisions while starring in multitude of thrilling battles.
But they’ve taken a ton of criticism for taking low-level opponents lately. That’s all about to change when the two face each other on an ESPN Premier Boxing Champions card on August 29.
CURRENT ODDS
Our online boxing odds currently have Santa Cruz as nearly a 2-to-1 favorite, with a -189 money line. Mares checks in at +162, though both money lines figure to change if betting comes in heavy on either fighter. The over/under in this 12-round bout will likely be set for 11.5 rounds, with the over going into chalk territory. Make sure to check in on fight night for the latest prop bets as well.
BELIEVE THE HYPE
This is a fight that was driven largely by fan demand, as the large, vocal Hispanic contingent called loudly for the two Mexican, Southern California-based fighters to meet in the ring. The fans will get their wish – and they’ll get to see it happen in Los Angeles, where each man figures to have a large fanbase.
“I’m really excited for this fight,” said Mares, who has held titles at bantamweight, junior featherweight and featherweight. “It’s a fight the fans have been asking for, and I’m ready to give them what they want: a great show and a great victory.”
Santa Cruz is a former bantamweight titleholder and the reigning junior featherweight champ. His last bout marked his first at featherweight – a tune-up fight to get ready for Mares. He cruised to victory against journeyman Jose Cayetano en route to a 10-round unanimous decision on the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard.
“This fight means so much to me because I know it is what the fans have been waiting for,” Santa Cruz stated. “The opportunity to fight at Staples Center against a Mexican warrior and a great fighter in Abner Mares is one that I plan on taking seriously. We have been preparing for this moment for a very long time, and I’m glad it’s finally here. A win is going to take one of us to the next level.”
Santa Cruz leaves behind the junior featherweight division without ever facing champion Guillermo Rigondeux, Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg. The missed opportunities have drawn the ire of fans, who want to see him tested.
Mares has also faced similar disapproval, booking three recent squash matches since he was decked by Jhonny Gonzalez in the first round to lose his title in August 2013. However, he’s faced superb competition overall, beating top fighters such as Joseph Agbeko, Eric Morel, Anselmo Moreno and Daniel Ponce De Leon.
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Santa Cruz will be facing a bigger man as he’ll be moving up a weight class to fight Mares. Since he’s not a knockout puncher to begin with, he’ll have to rely on his pace and activity to beat Mares. It’s worth noting that Mares has not looked sharp since losing to Gonzalez, and he might not be the same fighter after such a brutalizing loss.
But when it comes to big fights, Mares is far more experienced, as Santa Cruz has avoided tough fights for years now. If Mares comes out aggressive, it’s his fight to lose. The pick is Mares to win a unanimous decision.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook and get all the latest Abner Mares vs. Leo Santa Cruz boxing odds, money lines, over/unders and prop bets. The fight takes place on Saturday, August 29 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. The much-anticipated bout will headline a Premier Boxing Champions card on ESPN starting 10 p.m. ET
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy.
