LOS ANGELES, California: Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz defended his World Boxing Association featherweight title on Saturday, dominating compatriot Rafael Rivera to win by unanimous 12-round decision.
All three judges gave Santa Cruz the victory by scores of 119-109 as the champion improved to 36-1-1, marking the third defense of his second reign in the division.“I tried to give my best. I did what I could,” Santa Cruz said. “I’d like to give a lot better but Rafael is pretty good. It was a tough fight.”
Santa Cruz took inspiration from his father and trainer Jose Santa Cruz, who is battling bone marrow cancer.“It means the world to me (to have my father in my corner),” Santa Cruz said. “When I climb in the ring, I don’t want to let my dad down. I want to inspire him to keep fighting the cancer.”
Rivera, who fell to 26-3 with two drawn, was a late fill-in for his first world title bout after original challenger Miguel Flores suffered an ankle injury last month.Santa Cruz worked on Rivera’s body from the opening round, delivering punishment at a fast pace in the early rounds while defending well to masterfully frustrate the challenger.
Rivera tagged Santa Cruz with a right to the head to end the 11th round, drawing only a smile from the champion, who stayed in control through a furious exchange in the closing seconds.
Representational image. — Facebook/ISSF.ShootingKARACHI: Pakistan’s six shooters will participate in the ISSF...
Pakistan's Asim Khan and Noor Zaman have qualified for the quarter-finals of West Of Ireland Open 2024. —...
The Pakistan Sports Board building. — APP/FileLAHORE: After Sports Board Punjab refused to give Punjab Stadium for...
Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant. — AFP FileNEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant produced a...
India's captain Rohit Sharma speaks during a press conference at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy...
Former Asian champion Saadi Abbas. — Facebook/pakkarateinLAHORE: Dogged by injuries and offshore settlement...