Leo Santa Cruz vs. Abner Mares Rematch Purse Bid on July 21

[Ruthless-RKO]

The teams behind Mexican boxers Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are working hard to reach an agreement for a fall rematch, likely to take place in Los Angeles, California.

It was reported weeks ago that Santa Cruz vs. Mares II would take place on September 9th at the Staples Center, but nothing has been announced or finalized.

The World Boxing Association has ordered the two of them to fight, in order to merge their two featherweight titles. Santa Cruz is the "super" champion at 126--pounds, while Mares is the "regular" champion.

Because their negotiations are dragging on, the WBA has given both sides until July 11, 2017 to reach an agreement to carry out the rematch or they fill be forced to take part in a mandatory purse bid on July 21. This information was communicated to them by the WBA's Championships Committee.

These two Mexican gladiators first collided in 2015 in what was one of the best contests of the year. That battle went to the scorecards and the judges handed down a majority decision in favor of Santa Cruz, who that day became "super" featherweight champion under the WBA.

Later, Santa Cruz defended his belt against former champion Kiko Martínez of Spain and retained the crown with a technical knockout. He would go on to lose his belt by majority decision against top Irish star Carl Frampton. The close and interesting nature of the contest drew enough interest to have a rematch, which took place this past January, and saw Santa Cruz regain the title with a majority decision.]

For his part, Mares got the "regular" championship of the WBA last December, when he defeated tough Argentine slugger Jesus Cuellar by split decision. With that victory, he secured the right to be measured again Santa Cruz in a rematch - which the sanctioning body is pushing to stage in order to eliminate one of their world titles.

[Kalan]

This is ridiculous... These guys fight each other again for what purpose??? ... To avoid Gary Russell who can't get a fight with any of the top Latino's.

[Tanzio]

This is ridiculous... These guys fight each other again for what purpose??? ... To avoid Gary Russell who can't get a fight with any of the top Latino's.

I actually agree. I would rather see Mares v Frampton or Rigo and LSC v TRex Jr.

[Kalan]

Well then I don't know why fans aren't listened to... Promoters keep pushing BULLCRAP fights down our throats forever and ever.

[Tanzio]

Well then I don't know why fans aren't listened to... Promoters keep pushing BULLCRAP fights down our throats forever and ever.

Of course, in your current costume, you insist on pushing your point over the cliff. LSC v Mares is not a "BULLCRAP" fight. It is an excellent fight between two excellent pros.

Smith Jr v Barrera, Berchelt v Miura, Hitman Jr v The Indongo, Mikey v Broner, 3G v GingerHead, Corrales v Castellanos, The CW and SMW tourneys are not "BULLCRAP fights." The tremendous series of matches so far this year were not "BULLCRAP fights."

There is plenty wrong with boxing but we are on course for the best year in way over a decade, imo.

[Evander]

I'm ok with them going again, who's mad enough to pass on two decent Mexicans boxing at this level.
Frampton will be hovering close no doubt, he's sure to be featured in future bouts involving the three of them.

[northern]

I admit I voted Cruz simply because I saw his last fight and haven't seen Mares fight recently so I don't know how he has improved since their first match.

Am I overly excited for the match, I admit not as much as I would be for other fight's that could be made but it is still going to be a good oneand everyone watching will enjoy the show, weather it's a repeat of last time or there could be something completely different in store.

When it's all over keep in mind, in one sense it could be 2-0 for Cruz and the rivalry is over but if it goes in Abner's favour and it's 1-1 and the fight is good, a third fight has to happen. A good trilogy of fights is hard to come by so in that sense i'm all for a competitive match between the two.