After each of his last three fights, the undefeated 26 year-old has called on the likes of IBF belt holder Carl Frampton, WBA ‘regular’ titlist Scott Quigg and WBO and WBA ‘super’ champion Guillermo Rigondeaux to face him next without anything coming to fruition.
In a strange turn of events, Santa Cruz has been pitched on the Mayweather v Pacquiao undercard, and due to the WBC not sanctioning his bout, the Mexican is forced to participate in a non-title bout against an opponent yet to be named. A three-belt belt with Rigondeaux, who announced his willingness to face anyone with a belt at 122lbs this week, would have been a major addition to the card on May 2, although Santa Cruz is adamant that whoever he faces on the PPV bill that he is still under pressure to perform.
“There’s always a lot at risk for me. People keep talking about all of these big fights, but if I don’t win now, there will be no big fights in the future,” he said.
“I know who I want to fight, but I don’t pick my opponents; I leave it up to my team. They make those kinds of decisions. My job is to fight and win.
“I have to stay concentrated. I have to maintain focus and concentration. I can’t get ahead of myself. I give 100 percent in training and in the ring. I always want to put on a great fight for the fans,” added Santa Cruz.
Talks between British rivals Frampton and Quigg broke down last week and neither seem to want to risk sharing the ring with the recognised number one in the division, ‘El Chacal’ Rigondeaux.
Quigg’s promoter Eddie Hearn has recently mentioned ex-Rigo victim Nonito Donaire as a potential target, whilst a fight between Frampton and Rigondeaux, which would be huge in Ireland due to Cuban’s links there, still seems to be off the menu.
