Leo Santa Cruz on facing Mark Magsayo: Mexico vs Philippines ‘always a great fight’
Mark Magsayo (left) and Leo Santa Cruz. AFP FILE PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines—Four-division champion Leo Santa Cruz sees an explosive fight against WBC featherweight titleholder Mark Magsayo.
Santa Cruz had earlier expressed his desire to challenge the unbeaten Filipino for the crown and on Sunday, the Mexican power puncher made his case following a dominant ring return.
“I think Magsayo is a great opponent. He comes forward, throws lots of punches, he doesn’t run, he comes to fight,” Santa Cruz said during the post-fight press conference after winning all 10 rounds against Keenan Carbajal.
“Mexico-Philippines is always a great fight. Like Pacquiao-Marquez,” he added.
The 33-year-old Santa Cruz (38-2-1. 19KOs) fought for the first time since a brutal knockout loss to Gervonta Davis in a lightweight title bout on October 31, 2020.
Magsayo (24-0, 16KOs), meanwhile, claimed the WBC belt after edging Gary Russell Jr. by majority decision last month.
“I think Magsayo is a great fighter. He has good technique, great puncher and power, everything,” said Santa Cruz.
“I don’t know what the difference would be if Gary Russell Jr. was a hundred percent, but I don’t take anything away from Magsayo. He’s a great fighter. I think a fight against him will be really great. Both of us will go toe-to-toe.”
