The World Boxing Association super world featherweight title will be on the line Saturday night with a national broadcast on Fox. Accordingly, Leo Santa Cruz will be defending his title and is an expensive betting odds for Boxing favorite. Challenger Rafael Rivera would be an underdog regardless but the fact that he is a late fill-in for injured Miguel Flores is not a betting draw. Indeed “Big Bang” Rivera is a relatively unknown and inexperienced boxer from Mexico. Santa Cruz is one of the best known and most respected boxers as a champion of three different weight classes.
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Rafael Rivera
Date and Time: Saturday, February 16, 2019, 8 p.m. ET
Location: Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, California
Boxing Odds at SBG:
Boxing TV Coverage: FOX and FOX Deportes
Boxing Stats to Consider
Leo Santa Cruz has a betting odds for Boxing record of 35-1-1 with 19 knockouts and will be fighting in his own back yard of Los Angeles. Indeed, Santa Cruz, 30, is like another professional franchise for the City of Angels. The WBA featherweight champion is a big draw whenever he fights in LA. Ironically enough Rivera is considered to be by many an upgrade in opposition. Additionally, it’s no secret that Santa Cruz always has a target on his back. Opponents know the best way to gain fame is to beat the champ in a title bout.
What have Santa Cruz and Rivera been up to?
Account of a hard fought 12 round unanimous decision win over Abner Mares has Santa Cruz been resting. The fight took place on June 9, 2018 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Further, Santa Cruz has lavished praise upon Rivera for his toughness and body of work. In like manner Santa Cruz has taken time off to help his father fight cancer.
Boxer vs. Boxer
Overall Santa Cruz is ranked number one in the world. He stands at five feet, seven and a half inches tall with a reach of 69 inches out of an orthodox stance. Rivera is five feet, seven inches tall with a reach of 66 inches and an orthodox stance. He is ranked 77th in the world. Thus, the large price on Santa Cruz as the prohibitive favorite.
Santa Cruz’s Numbers
Prior to his win over Mares, Santa Cruz had won his two previous bouts. To begin with he defeated Carl Frampton in a 12 round majority decision win. Following that was an eighth-round knockout win over Chris Avalos. Owing to a majority decision loss to Frampton was the revenge win particularly sweet for Santa Cruz.
Rivera’s Numbers
Rafael Rivera has a career record of 26-2-2, with 17 knockouts. In view of this sportsbook matchup the 24-year-old Mexican has the biggest opportunity of his career. Last time out for “Big Bang” was on October 19, 2018 against Jose Ramos. And Rivera delivered the goods with a first round knockout win at the Double Tree Hotel in Orlando, Florida
Matchup to Watch
Certainly, Santa Cruz brings a very expensive price on betting odds for Boxing. More emphatically Rivera can’t come close to matching the champ’s resume and body of work. In comparison Santa Cruz clearly rates as the superior choice.
Santa Cruz vs. Rivera Betting Odds Picks
Naturally Leo Santa Cruz is the pick to win in dominant fashion.
Boxing Betting Online Pick: Leo Santa Cruz
Catch highlights of Leo Santa Cruz’s win over Abner Mares!