Have you ever heard of the Pauli Exclusion Principle? It’s a principle in quantum physics that states that two identical fermions (particles with half-integer spin) cannot occupy the same quantum state simultaneously.
To expand in layman’s terms, what the principle really means is: two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This Saturday at the Staples Center, the undefeated two-time champion, Leo Santa Cruz, takes on three-time champion, Abner Mares, in what we hope to be a violent collision that will exemplify the aforementioned Pauli Exclusion Principle, both in the ring and in the sport of boxing.
The deep history and number of similarities Mares and Santa Cruz share have created a situation where a battle to occupy the same space in boxing seemed inevitable, despite the few failed attempts in the past.
They’re both Mexican. They both are known for ruthless body punching. They are both based out of Southern California. They also share the region’s fan base. They are represented by the same promoter/manager, and have been for most of their respective careers. They both have faced criticism for their latest stretch of opponents. They’re both looking to silence the critics and reignite their fans with this fight. And they both are set on trying to be the best fighter at 126 pounds from Los Angeles.
In his last outing, Santa Cruz decisioned an eleventh hour replacement, Jose Cayatano, in his first attempt at 126 pounds. He easily dispatched the journeyman fighter, only to be met with the same criticism; another “showcase fight” with an opponent who posed no real threat or challenge. To his credit, Santa Cruz has acknowledged fans disapproval of his latest string of dance partners and hopes to change the discourse in the “Battle for Los Angeles.”
Mares has been anything but shy about taking credit for brokering this fight. He believes, undoubtedly, that his persistence behind the scenes forced Santa Cruz into this fight. Mares also campaigned as a replacement opponent for Santa Cruz’s previous bout, but was passed over for Cayatano.
To Mares, this indicated that Santa Cruz was avoiding him and Mares has been adamant about facing the Jr. Featherweight since. Ironically, Santa Cruz faced a similar roadblock trying to get a fight with Mares back in 2012, but was handled dismissively; they told him he wasn’t on Mares’ level.
Mares hasn’t exactly set the boxing world aflame with his last three opponents, either. The criticism surrounding those matchup choices didn’t reverberate as loudly as Santa Cruz’s. The difference being that Mares has faced top level competition for the larger part of his career. After suffering the first loss of his career in such dramatic fashion–a first round knockout at the hands of Jhonny Gonzalez–Mares has been prudent in his journey back to the top of the sport. But hey, at least the low blows aren’t an issue anymore, right?
So what happens when two identical objects try to occupy the same space?
As stated earlier, both guys like to attack the body, and neither guy is scared of exchanging. Since his loss, Mares has increased his mobility by focusing on footwork, but in a fight like this, his pride will likely allow him to be goaded into a brawl.
Though Santa Cruz is the bigger, rangier guy, he is phenomenally competent in the pocket. Once they start trading leather, the pace will be fast and the punches will be furious. Sparks will fly as their in-ring collision converts to energy, while the laws of physics tries to force these warriors into repulsion.
No other reaction can be expected but an explosion as these two warriors aren’t the type to take a step back. Two Mexican fighters with fan-friendly styles, facing off with everything on the line and something to prove?
That’s what we should expect from this fight, too. An explosion. Hopefully, the fight is reminiscent of Morales-Barrera I or Marquez-Vazquez II, or any of other great Mexican rivalries in boxing. If the actual fight is half as good as it looks on paper, it might evolve into a trilogy in boxing.
