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Photos: Leo Santa Cruz, Abner Mares - Square Up in Los Angeles

Published Tue Apr 10, 2018, 10:49 PM

Featherweight world champions Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares met face to face at a press conference in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday and discussed their world championship rematch taking place Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions. (photos by Scott Hirano)

Santa Cruz and Mares first battled in August 2015 at STAPLES Center with Santa Cruz earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. Now, Santa Cruz will put his WBA Super World Featherweight Title on the line against the WBA Regular Featherweight World Champion Mares.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now To purchase tickets visit AXS.com.

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

"This is one of the most anticipated fights of the sport. It's a rematch we've all been waiting for between great warriors in Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares.

"STAPLES Center has a rich tradition of bringing the best and biggest fights in Los Angeles here to this fantastic venue. STAPLES Center always seems to bring out the best in fighters as they fight under the brightest lights.

"Week after week we are witnessing great battles and great matchups on SHOWTIME. Every week is another 'Fight of the Year'. They are pushing the best to fight the best and that is what we are going to see with these two great fighters on June 9 in Los Angles.

"We all witnessed the great first fight. Over 2,000 punches were thrown between these two fighters. It's impossible when you have Leo and Abner in the ring to see a boring fight. We are going to have the pleasure of seeing these two guys going again. Once again, it's a 50-50 fight. We don't know who's going to win, but we do know it will be all action here at STAPLES Center.

"Abner is a tremendous fighter inside of the ring and one of the most decorated fighters in recent history to come out of Mexico, but he's equally impressive outside of the ring. He has a fantastic family and is truly one of the good guys in the sport of boxing.

"I've known Leo and his family for a long time and have been involved in many of his fights. He is truly, just like Abner, a family man who just so happens to be one of the best fighters in the world. He's certainly one of the most exciting fighters in the world and it's my pleasure to be able to watch him fight again on June 9."