Bragging rights in Los Angeles are up for grabs once again when Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares face off on Saturday night at the Staples Center.
The first "battle for Los Angeles" took place last August and drew plenty of viewers, no doubt enticed by the two fighters' high-octane styles and a storyline perfect for boxing, two Mexican fighters duking it out for the right to call themselves king of a sprawling metropolis with a deep appreciation for the sport.
Santa Cruz ended up winning a thrilling contest by majority decision, surviving a hard-charging Mares, who threw everything he had into the fight.
With the first bout decided by a thin margin, and both boxers still in prime condition, this rematch is a no-brainer for all parties involved. Same venue, same summertime setting and the same belt—the WBA super world featherweight title—on the line.
Santa Cruz vs. Mares II Fight Info
When: Saturday, June 9 at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Staples Center in Los Angeles
TV: Showtime
Live Stream: Showtime Anytime
Tickets: StubHub.com
Mares, despite coming so close to convincing the judges he was the better fighter the first time around, has real regrets about the way he fought. Per SportingNews.com's Steven Muehlhausen, Mares says he should have "boxed a whole different way."
