SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – The Leo Santa Cruz vs Abner Mares fight had high expectations to live up to, and at the very least they met them.
The two Mexico-born Southern California residents combined to throw 2,031 punches and land 599 according to Compubox, with Santa Cruz (31-0-1, 17 knockouts) remaining undefeated with a majority decision win over Mares (29-2-1, 15 KOs) on Sunday, August 30 Manila time at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif.
Two judges scored the fight 117-111 for Santa Cruz while the third scored it 114-114.
The taller Santa Cruz used his superior reach and work rate over the second half of the fight to earn the WBA featherweight title, adding to the bantamweight and junior featherweight titles he previously held.
Mares, who had won 3 straight following his shocking first round knockout loss to Jhonny Gonzalez in 2013, started well early, counterpunching the aggressive Santa Cruz with body punches that appeared effective but never slowed his opponent.
Mares had himself previously been a titleholder at 118, 122 and 126 pounds.
Santa Cruz threw 1,057 punches and landed 373 while Mares threw 980 and landed 227.
The show was broadcasted by ESPN as part of its Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN series. – Rappler.com
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