Santa Cruz keeps title in Los Angeles

MEXICO’S Leo Santa Cruz defended his World Boxing Association featherweight title on Saturday, dominating compatriot Rafael Rivera to win by a unanimous 12round decision.

All three judges gave Santa Cruz the victory by scores of 119109 as the champion improved to 36-1-1, marking the third defence in his second reign in the division.

“I tried to give my best. I did what I could,” Santa Cruz said. “I’d like to give a lot better but Rafael is pretty good. It was a tough fight.”

Santa Cruz took inspiration from his father and trainer Jose Santa Cruz, who is battling bone marrow cancer.

“It means the world to me [to have my father in my corner],” Santa Cruz said. “When I climb in the ring, I don’t want to let my dad down. I want to inspire him to keep fighting the cancer.”

Santa Cruz seeks a unification bout against American Gary Russell Jr, the World Boxing Council champion, or a third career matchup against Northern Ireland’s Carl Frampton.

Santa Cruz suffered his only career loss in 2016 to Frampton but avenged the defeat in early 2017 to reclaim the WBA crown.