In the main event, Leo Santa Cruz defeated Abner Mares by unanimous decision in a rematch of their August 2015 fight.
Dubbed the “Battle of Los Angeles” by promoter Richard Schaefer, Santa Cruz and Mares engaged in went toe-to-toe for 12 grueling rounds with both combatants landing big power blows. Ultimately, the reach and size of Santa Cruz became too much for Mares to overcome.
“It was a great fight. Another war like we said. I had to be smarter. I had to do what I had to do to win the fight.
“I love the crowd. I love to make them happy. Whatever I can do to please them, I do it.
“A cut is a cut, it’s just blood. If anything, it brings more hunger out of me.
“It feels great to get this victory. Abner is a great fighter. He left his heart out there. It was a tough fight but thank God we got the victory.
Judges final scores 115-113, 116-112 and 117-111.
Despite trilogy completing bouts on the table, against Carl Frampton (1-1) and Abner Mares (2-0), Santa Cruz and Schaefer are interested in staging a unification bout against WBC featherweight titlist Gary Russell Jr.
“I want Gary Russell. Let’s unify. I’m not scared of anybody. Whoever I get, let’s go. I’m ready.”
In addition to Saturday night’s event, Ringstar Sports announced a July 28 unification showdown between Mikey Garcia and Robert Easter Jr. in Los Angeles, to see the full fight announcement press conference, plus Robert Easter Jr. on whether or not About Billions stablemate Adrien Broner will offer tips on the fight, flip the page.