Leo Santa Cruz Wants Jhonny Gonzalez
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 11 Sep 2013
Undefeated newly crowned WBC Super Bantamweight World Champion Leo "Terremoto" Santa Cruz (L), has a new target in mind: Featherweight King Jhonny Gonzalez, an exciting, intriguing rumble that could happen next year.
Santa Cruz, 25, the new sensation of the super bantamweights impressively pummeled and knocked out fellow Mexican Victor Terrazas (37-3-1, 21 KO's) in just three rounds to claim the WBC 122-pound throne last month in Carson, Calif, a triumph that puts him atop the division together with undefeated Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux (12-0, 8 KOs).
But given the chance, Santa Cruz would rather battle compatriot Jhonny Gonzalez, a fighter far more thrilling than the skillful Cuban two-time Olympic gold medalist.
However, next for the Michoac?n Mexico native will be his first WBC super bantamweight defense - likely in November - against tough southpaw veterans Cristian Mijares (48-7-2, 23 KOs) or Hugo "El Increible" Cazares (39-7-2, 27 KOs); not an easy mission for the younger Santa Cruz as both Mijares and Cazares are resourceful, hardened warriors still with lethal power in their fists.
Meanwhile, Jhonny Gonzalez (55-8, 47 KO's), the 2-division world champion who impressively destroyed previously undefeated world champ Abner Mares (26-1-1, 14 KO's) of Guadalajara in one action-packed round, looks forward to a title defense also in November.
A rematch with Abner Mares is a possibility, but so far no opponent for Jhonny, 31, has been confirmed.
The Jhonny Gonzalez vs Leo Santa Cruz fight - if it ever happens - would be another riveting, exciting world title fight among Mexicans, a clash worth waiting for.
Both world champions are promoted by Golden Boy Promotions.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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