Leo Santa Cruz and Jermell Charlo defend world titles in early hours of Sunday morning live on Sky Sports
Sunday 15 October 2017 07:15, UK
Leo Santa Cruz and Jermell Charlo defend their world titles as we bring you live action from two American bills this weekend on Sky Sports.
WBC super-welterweight champion Charlo faces Erickson Lubin on our first fight card in the early hours of Sunday morning, with two other world title fights being staged at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Live Fight Night International
Then we switch to California to see Leo Santa Cruz defend his WBA 'super' featherweight belt against Chris Avalos, while potential opponent Abner Mares also appears on the same card in Carson.
Background
Charlo makes his second WBC title defence against the dangerous Lubin, who was formerly promoted by Mike Tyson, and has stopped 13 of his 18 opponents on his destructive route to a world title shot.
This exciting US duo should produce an explosive encounter as Charlo displayed his own power in a highlight reel knockout of Charles Hartley in April.
Santa Cruz is a familiar face on these shores following two fights with Carl Frampton and he regained his WBA belt with a January points win over the Belfast man.
The three-weight world champion next faces Avalos, a former opponent of the Belfast man, and will be seeking another impressive performance to set up a second against Mares.
What the fighters say
He has a high volume of punches, but that's what we trained for. He's expecting fireworks, I'm expecting explosions. So just don't be surprised.
Avalos is a strong fighter. I never underestimate a fighter. Every fighter I step in the ring with is dangerous.
What the experts say
Three world title fights, very competitive match-ups, and you’ve got some of the slickest fighters in boxing on show.
What I did find out about Avalos is he’s slow and predictable. I think Santa Cruz will be too much for him and will stop Avalos, probably in the middle rounds.
Mares is very experienced, has fast hands, and is a skilled boxer, if he wants to be. He does love a tear-up though and that can be his downfall.
The big fight stats
The weigh-ins
Jermell Charlo - 153.6lbs
Erikson Lubin - 154.4lbs
Jarrett Hurd - 153.3lbs
Austin Trout - 153.0lbs
Erislandy Lara - 153.6lbs
Terrell Gausha -153.3lbs
Leo Santa Cruz 125.4lbs
Chris Avalos 126lbs
Abner Mares 126lbs
Andres Gutierrez 126lbs
The time draws near...
Watch five world-title fights, including Leo Santa Cruz, Jermell Charlo and Abner Mares, live from America, from 12.30am, Sunday morning, on Sky Sports Main Event.
