Leo Santa Cruz predicts toe to toe fight with Mark Magsayo: 'Mexico versus Philippines is always a great fight'

WBA world featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz is open to a unification showdown with the newly crowned WBC world featherweight champion Mark Magsayo.

Santa Cruz, who holds a record of 38-2-1 with 19 knockouts, defeated Keenan Carbajal via unanimous decision this past weekend at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, USA.

“I think Magsayo is a great opponent. He comes forward, throws lots of punches, does not run, and he comes to fight,” Santa Cruz said in the post-fight press conference.

“Mexico versus Philippines is always a great fight. Let's have a fight with Magsayo. I know my dad wants me to stay at 126. The goal is to unify, try to do my best there.”

Magsayo, 26, claimed the WBC world title when he defeated an injured Gary Russell Jr. last month.

As far as Santa Cruz is concerned, he would rather not dwell on the ifs and buts of Magsayo’s last outing as he sees fireworks should they get to meet inside the ring.

“I think Magsayo is a great fighter. He has good technique, great puncher and power, everything,” said Santa Cruz.

“I don't know what the difference would be if Gary Russell Jr. was a hundred percent, but I don't think anything away from Magsayo. I think a fight against him will be a great fight, toe to toe.”

—JMB, GMA News