Boxing returned to network television for the first time in decades on Saturday afternoon, as CBS televised a fight card from Los Angeles, California, headlined by undefeated IBF Bantamweight titleholder Leo Santa Cruz defending his strap against a fellow undefeated youngster, Alberto Guevara. Santa Cruz turned up the heat late and earned a clear unanimous decision, showcasing his typical busy, action-oriented style.
Santa Cruz won the fight by official scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109, the latter two of which were certainly out of whack. While Santa Cruz dominated the second half of the fight, he was playing catch-up earlier on, literally and figuratively.
Guevara came out sharp and quick, and was utilizing his speed to move around the ring and keep Santa Cruz at bay. The champ’s harder punches though began to take their toll, and Guevara slowed down.
Once that happened, it was all Santa Cruz the rest of the way, as he improves to 23-0-1, with 13 knockouts. The win was his 5th of the year, and 4th since June, as he picked up the vacant IBF title and reeled off 3 quick title defenses.
He was actually apologetic after the fight for not being as exciting as fans have come to expect, but it was a good scrap, and he threw nearly 1,000 punches. With a network-televised win, the undefeated record and the title around his waist, Santa Cruz is certainly somebody we’re going to be seeing and hearing a great deal of in 2013.
Check back with ProBoxing-Fans.com later today and throughout the rest of the weekend, as we get you up to date with all of the boxing results and news from the busy slate of action.
