It’s a funny thing how one fight can drastically alter the perception of a fighter.
In May, Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz took on the unheralded Jose Cayetano on the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard. Cayetano was largely unknown and was coming off two defeats in his previous four fights. He was not even confirmed as the opponent for Santa Cruz until a week before the fight.
This fight was widely panned as soon as it was made and as expected, it failed to deliver on the night, as Santa Cruz strolled to a 10 round decision without ever having to get out of first gear. At the time, it was emblematic of Leo’s career; he was seen as the quintessential “protected” fighter. The match-making policy for Santa Cruz seemed designed to pad his record, whilst he claimed his WBC super-bantamweight title through the path of least resistance.
Fairly or otherwise, Santa Cruz had become something of a villain for fight fans. He was a fighter whose success seemed the product of his ability to draw a crowd rather than his talents. At the overcrowded summit of the 122 pound division, many compared Santa Cruz unfavourably to his potential rivals; Carl Frampton, Scott Quigg and division bogeyman Guillermo Rigondeaux.
But four months on from the Cayetano ridicule, Santa Cruz has redeemed himself. His showdown with fellow Mexican Abner Mares was electrifying. In that fight he displayed all of the virtues his reputation had promised. Leo showed fighting spirit, a good chin, tremendous stamina and no shortage of boxing skills as he picked off Mares with jabs and straight right hands at range and matched him punch for punch on the inside to score a close but clear victory.
With the backing of Al Haymon, the growth of the PBC platform, numerous high quality opponents at either 122 or 126 pounds and the swelling ranks of Santa Cruz supporters, there are a myriad of possibilities now open to the man they call “El Terremotto”. But broadly speaking, these can be divided into two contrasting approaches.
The first is the conservative, cynical approach. The Mares barn-burner has earned Santa Cruz much new-found respect but also some respite from the growing criticism that surrounded his choice of opponents. The cynical approach would be to capitalise on the leeway he may be granted for the next few months and return to matching him softly. It would likely take three or four more soft fights for the discontent to return to a crescendo and by that stage, Santa Cruz and his handlers could have lined their pockets with a handful of “showcase” fights.
The alternative approach is to reach for the stars, back your own ability and take on the tougher challenges that lay ahead. And there is no shortage of tough opponents, whether he decides to stay up at 126 pounds or drop back down to super bantamweight.
At 122 pounds; Quigg, Rigondeaux and Frampton are still locked in orbit around one another, seemingly destined never to collide. Quigg appears to have targeted former champion Nonito Donaire, while nobody is sure when we will see Rigondeaux in the ring again. Carl Frampton however, has recently signed a deal with Al Haymon and made his U.S. debut on a PBC card in July. Frampton has also mentioned the possibility of stepping up to 126 pounds, all of which makes a Santa Cruz – Frampton showdown much easier to make.
It is interesting to note Frampton’s choice of opponent for his U.S. debut was a Mexican fighter who enjoyed significant height and reach advantages over the Jackal. Perhaps Alejandro Gonzalez Junior was chosen with one eye on making a Santa Cruz fight down the line? If so, the Jackal’s opening round struggles – Frampton was knocked down twice – will have given Barry McGuigan and Haymon food for thought.
Unfortunately, any Frampton – Santa Cruz fight is likely at least two fights away. Although a huge star in Belfast and a big draw in the U.K. and Ireland, Frampton cannot be expected to have built up a significant fan base in America on the back of just one outing. Talk of letting a fight “marinate” is usually enough to have fight fans pulling their hair out but in this case it might actually be justified.
With the options at 122 pounds mostly engaged elsewhere, Santa Cruz will have to look at the 126 pound division for his next opponent. Current kingpin Nicholas Walters is unlikely to fight in the featherweight division again, having failed to make weight in his last outing. Ukrainian sensation Vasyl Lomachenko would present a real test of Santa Cruz’ boxing skills but the gifted former amateur star is a Top Rank fighter and as we all know, Al and Bob don’t get along.
Then there’s Welshman Lee Selby, one of the fastest rising fighters in the sport right now. The man known as “The Welsh Mayweather” has fought his way to the top the hard way and in May claimed the IBF featherweight belt. Selby has been vocal in his desire to face Santa Cruz and appears confident of beating him (link to Michelle’s interview with Selby https://youtu.be/mJRpV7m3-7M ).
Like Frampton, Selby has also recently inked a deal with Al Haymon and will be appearing on the PBC platform in October. However, again like Frampton, his name lacks the recognition in the U.S. to make the Santa Cruz fight right now. Of course, a stunning debut against Fernando Montiel in October could quickly change that but for now Santa Cruz – Selby needs a little building.
All of this leaves one obvious opponent for Santa Cruz to target next – Gary Russell Jnr. Signed with Al Haymon, Russell Jnr is a former Olympian and remains highly ranked in the 126 pound division. Known for his fast hands, he would present a very tough test for Santa Cruz but carries enough recognition in the States to justify the risk.
There are many opportunities out there for Leo Santa Cruz right now, both short term and long term. The real question is which route does he want to go? Boxing has a habit of making cynics of its fans. If you follow this sport long enough, you learn to never get your hopes up! It is easy to imagine his team opting to revert to matching Santa Cruz safely and it may be a year or two before we see him given the chance to truly shine again.
But if there is some cause for optimism it is in the words of Santa Cruz himself. It seems Leo is keen to take on all comers, telling Behind the Gloves he wishes he could “fight all those fighters they want me to fight” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-NYyTkbu40).
Against Abner Mares, Santa Cruz showed that he was willing and able to really fight for the win he desired. Let’s hope he shows the same spirit in pursuing the fights he claims to want.
– Michael McCarthy / @Mlmcc86
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