Mares, Santa Cruz on early 2018 collision course

Abner Mares has been waiting two years to get another crack at Leo Santa Cruz. Mares thought it was going to happen Oct. 7, but a signed deal never materialized, so the wait will be a bit longer.Instead of facing each other next, Mares and Santa Cruz – both holders of a piece of the featherweight championship – will defend their respective belts Oct. 14 at StubHub Center (on Fox). If Mares is successful against Andres Gutierrez (35-1-1, 25 KOs) of Mexico and Santa Cruz beats Lancaste