Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz defended his WBA 126-pound title against Mexico’s Rafael “Big Bang” Rivera with a convincing win. Santa Cruz out-fought Rivera while throwing over 120 punches per round with a balanced attack to the head and body. Rivera offered as much resistance as he could, and both men were committed to putting on a performance for the fans. But at the end, Santa Cruz won in a landslide on the judges’ cards (119-109×3). Give credit to Rivera for stepping in on three weeks notice to take on WBA featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Rivera replaced the injured Miguel Flores and gave an excellent effort. Unfortunately for Rivera, Santa Cruz was too good in every way. Santa Cruz took the unanimous-decision. UPPERCUT agrees with the decision.