By David Martinez
A rare Saturday afternoon live boxing telecast took place on December 15, 2012 from the Los Angeles Sports Arena, when IBF batamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (23-0-1 / 13 by KO) successfully defended his title with a 12 round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Alberto Guevara (16-1 / 6 by KO). This was the first televised boxing card by the CBS netwok in fifteen years.
The unknown Guevara fought his heart out hard and went the distance, but Santa Cruz proved to be just stronger and with more experience. Ringside judges scored the bout 116-112, 118-110 and 119-109 for Santa Cruz . My unofficial score card was 117-111 (9 rounds to 3) for Santa Cruz , who has emerged as one of boxings best “pound for pound” today.
The Los Angeles Sports Arena has always been a special place in my heart. I remember my first visit to this venue where I sat ringside as a 21 year old kid to see Mando Ramos defend his lightweight title to Yoshiaki Numata and the semi main event was the rubber match between two outstanding welterweights Ernie Lopez vs. Hedgemon Lewis – date was October 4, 1969.