Santa Cruz calls Russell Jr out for a rematch

Leo Santa Cruz - photo AP
Leo Santa Cruz - photo AP

The featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (35-1-1, 19 KOs), before Saturday's victory in the rematch over Abner Mares, said that he would like to fight against another champion in his weight class - Gary Russell Jr. (29-1, 17 KOs), with whom Santa Cruz met in the amateurs and lost.

"I am ready for the unification with any other champion in featherweight," said Santa Cruz. "Gary Russell and I met in amateurs. He won, but it was a good fight, and I believe that I will manage to take a rematch. I already know the tactics that I will use. I hope, I will achieve this revenge."

On May 19, Russell Jr. defended his title with a convincing victory over Joseph Diaz Jr., and after the fight also expressed a desire to meet Santa Cruz.