Written By Brian Mazique
On paper, it looks like WBC super bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KO) has another easy opponent in 25-year-old Jesus Ruiz (33-5-5, 22 KO). The two Mexican fighters will clash as part of the undercard for the WBC heavyweight title bout, which features champion Bermane Stiverne and undefeated KO artist Deontay Wilder.
Expectations aren't high for Ruiz. While he sports a fairly impressive record, he hasn't fought anyone close to Santa Cruz's level. Fight fans can only hope the challenger is capable of making the champion work hard for what looks like an easy victory.
Here's how you can watch the entire card.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. ET
Where: MGM Grand in Las Vegas
TV: Showtime
Live Stream: BoxNation (subscription required and region restricted).
Without question, Santa Cruz's matchmaking in his last two fights has been laughable. This fight seems set to extend the joke. It appears as if Santa Cruz is being saved for bigger fights—mainly one with WBA and WBO champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Recently, Santa Cruz told Kylie Krabb of RingTV.com, "If it was up to me, I would fight (Rigondeaux) whenever. I am tired of people telling me that I am scared. I am looking for that fight as soon as possible. He is not invincible. I think I have a chance to beat him. I know he is a tough fighter, but that's what we are here for, to fight the best."
As long as Santa Cruz continues to face the likes of Ruiz, he's going to catch flak. This is the fight that's in place for the champion now. He must focus on the task at hand, or he might lose the opportunity he's saving himself for.
The Sacrifice
It's safe to assume Ruiz is probably getting the biggest payday of his career Saturday night. The price he'll pay for the payday might be a painful one.
Three of Ruiz's last eight bouts were scheduled for fewer than 10 rounds. This is also just the third time Ruiz will have fought outside of Mexico. This will be the first and perhaps only time we see Ruiz on such a big stage.
Aside from dealing with a world-class fighter, Ruiz also has to able to handle the moment.
Prediction
I see no way for Ruiz to beat Santa Cruz. The champion might be caught looking ahead, but the talent gap is so wide that Santa Cruz has room for error. He can win this fight without his best work.
Santa Cruz is a crowd-pleasing fighter who is getting uncomfortable with the perception that he's not fighting top competition. Because of that, he'll come out looking to make a statement against Ruiz.
Expectations aren't high for Ruiz. While he sports a fairly impressive record, he hasn't fought anyone close to Santa Cruz's level. Fight fans can only hope the challenger is capable of making the champion work hard for what looks like an easy victory.
Here's how you can watch the entire card.
When: Saturday, Jan. 17 at 10 p.m. ET
Where: MGM Grand in Las Vegas
TV: Showtime
Live Stream: BoxNation (subscription required and region restricted).
Without question, Santa Cruz's matchmaking in his last two fights has been laughable. This fight seems set to extend the joke. It appears as if Santa Cruz is being saved for bigger fights—mainly one with WBA and WBO champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Recently, Santa Cruz told Kylie Krabb of RingTV.com, "If it was up to me, I would fight (Rigondeaux) whenever. I am tired of people telling me that I am scared. I am looking for that fight as soon as possible. He is not invincible. I think I have a chance to beat him. I know he is a tough fighter, but that's what we are here for, to fight the best."
As long as Santa Cruz continues to face the likes of Ruiz, he's going to catch flak. This is the fight that's in place for the champion now. He must focus on the task at hand, or he might lose the opportunity he's saving himself for.
The Sacrifice
It's safe to assume Ruiz is probably getting the biggest payday of his career Saturday night. The price he'll pay for the payday might be a painful one.
Three of Ruiz's last eight bouts were scheduled for fewer than 10 rounds. This is also just the third time Ruiz will have fought outside of Mexico. This will be the first and perhaps only time we see Ruiz on such a big stage.
Aside from dealing with a world-class fighter, Ruiz also has to able to handle the moment.
Prediction
I see no way for Ruiz to beat Santa Cruz. The champion might be caught looking ahead, but the talent gap is so wide that Santa Cruz has room for error. He can win this fight without his best work.
Santa Cruz is a crowd-pleasing fighter who is getting uncomfortable with the perception that he's not fighting top competition. Because of that, he'll come out looking to make a statement against Ruiz.
