5. Abner Mares
In spite of falling short in a non-stop fan favourite showing against Santa Cruz, Mares stock has risen in defeat, leaving no great reason to disregard a second fight. Ultimately, the ‘fight of the year’ candidate with Abner Mares shows Cruz isn’t planning to have many second-tier opponents in his forthcoming bouts.
4. Lee Selby
He became IBF featherweight world champion, defeating the “Mexican Russian”- Evgeny Gradovich. Now signing with Al Haymon means Selby will most likely compete on American soil; exposure to broadcast networks would be ideal for a unification match, though Selby’s style would be diffficult for Santa Cruz.
3. Carl Frampton
Admitted he had problems making the weight in his last outing, so he might look to move up to featherweight where Santa Cruz remains an intriguing fight. Despite “The Jackal” not matching Santa Cruz in height, his explosive compact style should negate that advantage.
2. Gary Russell Jnr
He may have fallen to Vasyl Lomachenko but came back to capture the WBC title – against Johnny Gonzalez – in explosive fashion. Russell Jnr has some of the fastest hands in the division, which may deliver problems Santa Cruz has never faced before.
1. Vasyl Lomachenko
The WBO champion equalled history winning his title in three contests. However, Orlando Salido outlined the rough blue print to beat him, handing the Ukrainian a first professional defeat. Lomachenko though does fight on HBO and a clash with Santa Cruz could disrupt a possible Guillermo Rigondeux vs Lomachenko super-fight.
