By: Sean Crose
Leo Santa Cruz returned to the ring for the first time on Saturday since being knocked out by Gervonta Davis in striking roll fashion back in the fall of 2021. The tennis player is known for his 37-2-1 four-team form. faced 23-2-1 Keenan Carbajal Saturday in the Keith Thurman-Mario Barrios heavyweight main bout. Santa Cruz-Carbajal fought in the super featherweight division, and was scheduled to play 10 rounds.
Santa Cruz looks very sharp and effective at first glance. The second saw Santa Cruz continue to impress, even though he received a cut in the butt of his head. Carbajal fought with luck in the third round, but it was Santa Cruz who had the better shots. Santa Cruz is cut in quarters again. Carbajal started to fight better in the fifth round, punching smartly at his more experienced enemy. “I wish we could fuck each other,” Carbajal said to his corner between rounds.
Santa Cruz was the busier boxer in the sixth fight. However, the referee stopped the action to ask the ring doctor to look Santa Cruz in the eye. Allowed to continue fighting, Santa Cruz continued to dominate Saturday. Reality shows that, as talented and game as he is, Carbajal simply excels on this particular occasion. While it looked like Carbajal couldn’t use his stab, Santa Cruz was able to strike after his own stab in season eight. Things slow down a bit in the first half of season nine. However, Santa Cruz was able to attack his men in the second half of the chapter. Santa Cruz shot himself in the 10th and final round.
Unsurprisingly, the judges ruled in Santa Cruz’s favor by unanimous decision.
