Preview: Premier Boxing Champions on ESPN ‘Santa Cruz vs. Mares’

Leo Santa Cruz (30-0-1, 17 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (29-1-1, 15 KOs)

Premier Boxing Champions has put together a highly-anticipated matchup between Mexican-born Los Angelinos Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares -- and just in time. While Santa Cruz and Mares were once darlings of the sport thanks to their potential and penchant for exciting fights, both have come under criticism of late for facing a string of soft opposition.

That changes here, as either Santa Cruz or Mares has the opportunity to propel himself back into the fans’ good graces. No matter the result, the Santa Cruz-Mares pairing has the potential for fireworks, and at the very least, it will be entertaining to see both boxers face a worthwhile test. The 12-round 126-pound contest takes place at the Staples Center on Saturday night, and the card airs via PBC on ESPN beginning at 10 p.m. ET.

The Matchup: The 27-year-old Santa Cruz, a former title holder at both 118 and 122 pounds, made a trial run at featherweight in May, cruising to a unanimous verdict over Jose Cayetano on the Mayweather-Pacquiao undercard. However, that victory is a perfect example of why Santa Cruz has been under fire of late, as he faced yet another opponent who wouldn’t truly test him.

Santa Cruz began his career as a fan favorite thanks in large part to his aggressive, high-energy style in the ring, and he has a number of solid wins -- Eric Morel, Alexander Munoz, Vusi Malinga and Cristian Mijares all come to mind. However, in combat sports, you’re only as good as your last fight, and Santa Cruz’s star has diminished of late thanks to a series of underwhelming matchups.

Mares has his own questions to answer. He has won three straight fights since a devastating first-round knockout loss against Jhonny Gonzalez in August 2013, but none of those victories has been especially inspiring. It’s quite possible that Mares simply needed some extra time to recover from the first setback of his career. Mares was a significant favorite against Gonzalez but was crushed by a left hook in the opening stanza. Sometimes talented fighters don’t ever really return to form after such a loss, but the 29-year-old Mares is young enough to author a turnaround.

Mares is a former three-division title holder, and he has arguably produced a more impressive resume than Santa Cruz with wins over Daniel Ponce de Leon, Anselmo Moreno, Joseph Agbeko and Vic Darchinyan, to name a few. Also working in his favor is the fact that he has been competing at featherweight for the past five fights, which should make him far more comfortable in the division than the newcomer Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz does not possess top-notch power; instead, he is a volume puncher who relies on activity and accumulation to wear down his opponents. He is especially well known for his accurate work to the body. His defense has been sub-par, as he has even been relatively hittable against unheralded opponents. That could be a concern as he moves up in both weight and competition, especially if he is not able to bully his way to victory.

Mares also thrives on being the aggressor. The former Olympian relies on pressure that allows him to force a close-quarters battle. Like Santa Cruz, he attacks the body with fervor, but he is also vulnerable when he lets his hands go. In this matchup it is key that he initiate offense and not retreat against an equally offensive-minded foe.

The Pick: Mares hasn’t looked especially sharp of late, but expect him to rise to the level of his competition. He won’t feel threatened by Santa Cruz’s power, and his adversary’s style will play right into his hands. Santa Cruz remains relatively unproven, especially against someone of Mares’ caliber. If his defense is lacking as it has been in the past, Mares will make him pay. In a close call, Mares wins a decision.