Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Cristian Mijares
Gabriel Polanco, Contributing Writer
Leo Santa Cruz is like the energizer bunny, he never stops throwing. Christian Mijares is also a very good fighter, he has a who’s who on his resume that shows he is more than capable at the world level. But I cannot honestly see the former Super-Flyweight beating Santa Cruz. Actually, I cannot see anybody that isn’t named Guillermo Rigondeaux beating Santa Cruz. I don’t see this fight going past the 10th as Santa Cruz will go to the body early and the head will of course fall toward the latter rounds.
Prediction: Santa Cruz
Gino Garcia, Contributing Writer
This matchup seems to be a no brainer. I see Mijares coming out strong in the first 4 rounds, however the patience of Santa Cruz will overcome throughout the later rounds- Santa Cruz wins by UD.
Prediction: Santa Cruz
Lenin Acevedo, Photographer
56 bouts mean a lot of rounds and experience under a fighter’s belt and can very well play into a fighter’s advantage, but it’s also a double edged sword. Cristian Mijares is an old 32 year old with a lot of mileage on his legs. I don’t see him making a trip to the final round. In his last fight Leo Santa Cruz was triumphant, but showed difficulties closing the gap against a mover. If he has learned the necessary skills, he should win this fight. I predict a late round TKO.
Prediction: Santa Cruz
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
If you’re a fight fan, you have to like Leo Santa Cruz. He stays active–on the calendar and in the ring–and he’s one of the best two Super Bantamweight’s in the world. In Cristian Mijares, he’ll be facing a game opponent who has beaten–and lost to–good competition throughout his career. Santa Cruz was disappointed that we wasn’t able to score a more spectacular win in his last outing so I’ll think he’ll kick it up a notch in search of a knockout.
Prediction: Santa Cruz
