December 23, 2024

LEO SANTA CRUZ, ABNER MARES TO SHARE FOX DOUBLEHEADER ON OCT. 14

ringtv.com

LAS VEGAS — The planned rematch between Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares?

Scrapped for now. In its place, the two men will share a Fox doubleheader on October 14 in separate bouts at Carson, California’s StubHub Center. Los Angeles’ Staples Center was the site of their August 2015 bout, in which Santa Cruz topped Mares to win a featherweight title.

The doubleheader will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Jermell Charlo’s title defense against Erickson Lubin taking place on Showtime later that evening.

Santa Cruz, THE RING’s No. 1 126-pounder, will defend his title against Chris Avalos in the main event. Mares will meet Andres Gutierrez in the co-feature.

“I am a little disappointed because for a second there I thought everything was 100 percent confirmed and I was excited to face him again, but it happens, and now whatever comes my way, I’m ready,” Mares told RingTV.com. ” … Whoever they put in front of me, it’s a fight away from the Leo fight.”

Mares (30-2-1, 15 knockouts) said he’s received assurance from Al Haymon that the second meeting between himself and Santa Cruz (33-1-1, 18 KOs) will finally happen next. But for now, the 126-pounders will showcase their stuff on the same card in the build up to the return bout.

“I never overlook any opponent,” Santa Cruz said, “but my plan is to put on a great performance, and then give fans more exciting fights against Abner Mares and Carl Frampton. I’m ready to prove I’m the best featherweight in the world.”

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