Boxing Coverage on Sherdog.comBoxing: Leo Santa Cruz to Defend Featherweight Crown Against Kiko Martinez
Leo Santa Cruz will put his WBA featherweight title on the line
against former world champ Kiko Martinez on Feb. 27 at the Honda
Center in Anaheim, Calif. Showtime will televise the bout.
Santa Cruz, who captured his title by toppling Abner Mares in one of the best fights of 2015, will look to continue his ascent through the pound-for-pound rankings. Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 KOs) has become a fan favorite in recent years because his constant pressure style.
Aside from defeating Mares, the Mexican slugger has toppled the
likes of Jesus Ruiz, Cristian Mijares, Eric Morel and Alexander
Munoz. He’s captured world titles at junior featherweight and
bantamweight to coincide with his current 126-pound strap.
“I’m excited to have another opportunity to fight in front of my L.A. friends,” said Santa Cruz. “I’ve been in the gym and staying ready for anyone that’s put in front of me. I’m going to be 100 percent ready for this fight and I plan to go out there and look great.”
In Martinez (35-6, 26 KOs), Santa Cruz will be facing a rugged brawler from Spain. He held the IBF junior featherweight title before losing it to Carl Frampton via unanimous decision. “La Sensacion” got a crack at the WBA version of the 122-pound throne, but Scott Quigg whacked him out within two rounds. Martinez has won his last three bouts, though, and heads into battle against Santa Cruz with a full head of steam.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to face off against Leo Santa Cruz on February 27,” said Martinez. “Santa Cruz is clearly one of the very best featherweights in the world, but I have what it takes. I’ve already begun working very hard with my longtime trainer Gaby Sarmiento, and I will be victorious.”
Also set for the card will be a rematch between Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) and Hugo Ruiz (35-3, 31 KOs) for the WBC junior featherweight title. Ceja took Ruiz out in the fifth when they fought last August in a thrilling battle that saw both fighters knocked down.
The telecast will air live on Showtime starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. A full undercard will be announced soon.
Santa Cruz, who captured his title by toppling Abner Mares in one of the best fights of 2015, will look to continue his ascent through the pound-for-pound rankings. Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 KOs) has become a fan favorite in recent years because his constant pressure style.
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“I’m excited to have another opportunity to fight in front of my L.A. friends,” said Santa Cruz. “I’ve been in the gym and staying ready for anyone that’s put in front of me. I’m going to be 100 percent ready for this fight and I plan to go out there and look great.”
In Martinez (35-6, 26 KOs), Santa Cruz will be facing a rugged brawler from Spain. He held the IBF junior featherweight title before losing it to Carl Frampton via unanimous decision. “La Sensacion” got a crack at the WBA version of the 122-pound throne, but Scott Quigg whacked him out within two rounds. Martinez has won his last three bouts, though, and heads into battle against Santa Cruz with a full head of steam.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to face off against Leo Santa Cruz on February 27,” said Martinez. “Santa Cruz is clearly one of the very best featherweights in the world, but I have what it takes. I’ve already begun working very hard with my longtime trainer Gaby Sarmiento, and I will be victorious.”
Also set for the card will be a rematch between Julio Ceja (30-1, 27 KOs) and Hugo Ruiz (35-3, 31 KOs) for the WBC junior featherweight title. Ceja took Ruiz out in the fifth when they fought last August in a thrilling battle that saw both fighters knocked down.
The telecast will air live on Showtime starting at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. A full undercard will be announced soon.
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