It’s the calm before the storm in the boxing world. A quiet weekend leads into a busy end of February and an even busier March; all eyes will be on Leo Santa Cruz this weekend as he makes his return to the ring after seven months out.

The Mexican holds the WBA featherweight belt in the 126-pounds division, with Gary Russell Jr., Josh Warrington and Oscar Valdez making up the quartet of champions in one of the most exciting divisions in boxing. Thoughts will turn to unifications in 2019, with huge fight nights awaiting Stateside.

Santa Cruz’s next dance partner is Mexican compatriot Rafael Rivera. The 24-year-old nicknamed Big Bang has been carefully selected for Santa Cruz’s return, and isn’t expected to cause many ripples in the featherweight division above his current level. He is 1-2 in his last three fights having lost two fights on the cards to unbeaten Joet Gonzalez and Joseph Diaz; he bounced back with a win over Jose Ramos in October who boasts a record of 10-14-1.

Santa Cruz to beat Rafael Rivera on points @ 2/5 (BetFred)

The first thing to consider is that Rafael Rivera is yet to be stopped as a professional. His two losses came over a ten and twelve round distance, with his size emphasizing his durability at featherweight; Rivera has previously campaigned at super feather.

Santa Cruz is more of a volume puncher than a power puncher. The champion has a 51% knockout percentage in his 35 wins in the paid ranks, with his fast aggressive style underlining why he has often won on the scorecards. Take for instance his two fights with Carl Frampton. Fast-paced and barrages of punches turned these two fights into the spectacles they were, with neither fighter ever looking like getting stopped.

Carl Frampton x2 and Abner Mares have made up three of Leo’s last four fights; the highest standard of competition for the 30-year-old to negate. Rivera is a big step down, but Santa Cruz will still be eager to get rid of the ring rust that may have set in during the end part of 2018.

Let’s not forget, Santa Cruz’s opponent was supposed to be Miguel Flores until he pulled out with an ankle injury. Although LSC’s camp will have to have changed tactics for this more aggressive, powerful opponent, it shouldn’t be a hurdle that they stumble over.

WBC champion Gary Russell Jr. is expected to be called out by Santa Cruz if he is victorious this weekend. Unifications are top priority amongst the feathers, with Warrington also showing his desire to fight Oscar Valdez after the Kid Galahad defence. Watch this space amongst the 126-pounders.

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