WBA Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz retained his title against Rafael Rivera on Saturday night to open the door for an eagerly anticipated trilogy with Carl Frampton.
In front of a hometown crowd, Santa Cruz at times struggled through a gruelling bout but demonstrated enough class to merit the decision. All three judges scored it 119-109. It finished in wild circumstances as both fighters let loose with the bell looming.
Leo Santa Cruz and Rafael Rivera pouring it all out in the last 10 seconds. #Boxing pic.twitter.com/LMUokkVe3V
— Si Thompson (@TheSiThompson) February 17, 2019
Santa Cruz vs. Rivera FULL HIGHLIGHT.... you're welcome ?. pic.twitter.com/rP6O0oT5dF
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) February 17, 2019
Speaking post-fight, Santa Cruz opened the door for a third bout against Carl Frampton.
"I want to fight the best. I want to fight any of the champions at featherweight or have a third fight with Carl Frampton. I want to be back this summer and fight three times this year against the best in the division."
Frampton has elected not to retire after his recent decision loss to Josh Warrington and has indicated he is in favour of another fight against the 30-year-old.
