Leo Santa Cruz will have an unexpected new opponent in defense of his featherweight championship bout on February 16. Miguel Flores was scheduled to take on Santa Cruz for the featherweight championship but had to withdraw due to an ankle injury suffered during training camp. As a result, Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera got the call to replace him. Santa Cruz was already a prohibitive favorite in the original matchup against Flores. That price will only go up even higher against the substitute Rivera that has lost two of his last three fights and is ranked far lower than was Flores.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Boxing Betting at BookMaker.eu
Leo Santa Cruz – Check Back Later
Rafael Rivera – Check Back Later
Over/under rounds - Check Back Later
The World Boxing Association super world featherweight title will be on the line February 16, 2019 when defending champion Leo Santa Cruz (35-1-1, 19 knockouts) will face challenger Rafael Rivera (26-2-2, 17 knockouts) in a scheduled 12 round bout that will take place at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. The fight can be seen on FOX and FOX Deportes.
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera Fight Preview
Ringstar Sports CEO Richard Schaefer said it best. “The show must go on and it will go on. People in Los Angeles love Leo Santa Cruz and they will come out to support Leo.”
While Rivera is the late substitute there are a few observers that believe he is actually a more dangerous opponent than Flores would have been. The Mexican is coming off an easy win in which he knocked out Jose Ramos last October, However he did lose his previous two fights before that win.
“I think this is a more dangerous opponent and stylistically a good fight,” said Schaefer. “Leo has a target on his back and if this guy can beat him or make it a fight, it could be a life changer for him.”
For Santa Cruz the opponent is not as relevant as the ultimate vision he has for a unified championship.
“I want to unify against any of the champions,” said Santa Cruz. “I want any of the champions in 2019 and I want to become the featherweight king.”
Santa Cruz last stepped into the ring on June 9, 2018 against Abner Mares at Staples Center in Los Angeles for the World Boxing Association super world featherweight title. Santa Cruz was able to escape with a 12 round unanimous decision win. It was his second consecutive successful title defense since he won the title belt over Carl Frampton on January 28, 2017 in a 12 round majority decision win at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Prior to his win over Mares, Santa Cruz won his first title defense bout against Chris Avalos and scored an eighth round knockout on October 14, 2017 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
In particular the win over Frampton was sweet revenge for Santa Cruz as he had lost the title belt to Frampton on July 30, 2016 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York in a 12 round majority decision. The loss was a bitter disappointment for Santa Cruz but also served as a reminder that he had to prepare better as a defending champion.
Santa Cruz is currently ranked number one in the world compared to Rivera’s ranking of 75th in the world. That being said Santa Cruz should be fully engaged as he wants to avoid an embarrassing loss and the resignation of his title belt.
Boxing Betting Tips
Perhaps Rivera may have an early edge as the surprise opponent. But expect Santa Cruz to adjust quickly and end up with a statement making win.
Boxing Odds Pick: Leo Santa Cruz
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With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera takes place on February 16, 2019 at Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California. The fight can be seen on FOX and FOX Deportes.