Leo Santa Cruz, born on August 10, 1988, in Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico, is a renowned professional boxer known for his relentless pressure fighting and high-volume punching style. Nicknamed “El Terremoto” (The Earthquake), Santa Cruz is admired for his energy, determination, and sportsmanship inside and outside the ring.
Raised in a family of fighters, he started boxing at an early age under the guidance of his father, José Santa Cruz, who was both his mentor and trainer. Over time, Leo’s dedication and discipline helped him rise through the ranks to become one of Mexico’s most accomplished champions.
His Salary and Net Worth
In 2025, Leo Santa Cruz’s estimated net worth is around $10 million – $12 million USD. His income mainly comes from boxing purses, sponsorships, and appearance fees.
Throughout his career, he earned multi-million-dollar paydays, especially from marquee fights against Carl Frampton, Gervonta Davis, and Abner Mares. Although less active now, his past career earnings and wise investments have ensured his financial stability.
Leo Santa Cruz Age and Height
As of 2025, Santa Cruz is 37 years old. He stands 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, with a reach of 69 inches (175 cm) — attributes that have helped him dominate across multiple weight classes with speed and precision.
Leo Santa Cruz’s Wife and Family
Leo Santa Cruz is married to Marisela Santacruz, and the couple has children together. Known for keeping his personal life private, Leo often shares moments of gratitude toward his family, crediting them for being his biggest motivation throughout his career.
His father’s health challenges also deeply influenced his boxing journey, inspiring him to fight with even more purpose.
Santa Cruz’s Latest Career News (2025)
In 2025, Santa Cruz remains a respected veteran in the sport, though he has transitioned into a semi-retirement phase. After losing to Gervonta Davis in 2020, he took time off to recover and focus on family.
He has hinted in interviews that he might return for one final fight — possibly a farewell bout in Mexico — to thank fans who supported him for over two decades.
Leo Santa Cruz’s Achievements
Leo Santa Cruz’s achievements make him one of the most decorated Mexican boxers of his generation:
- Four-Division World Champion (Bantamweight, Super Bantamweight, Featherweight, and Super Featherweight)
Former WBA (Super) Featherweight Champion
Multiple-Time WBC World Champion
Named “Fighter of the Year (2016)” by several boxing media outlets
🇲🇽 Recognized as one of Mexico’s most consistent champions of the 2010s
His ability to win world titles in four different divisions showcases his versatility, power, and adaptability.
Leo Santa Cruz Boxing Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Leo Santa Cruz |
| Nickname | El Terremoto |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1988 |
| Birthplace | Huetamo, Michoacán, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
| Weight Classes | Bantamweight to Super Featherweight |
| Professional Record | 38 Wins – 2 Losses – 1 Draw |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
| Net Worth (2025) | $10–12 Million USD |
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Leo Santa Cruz vs. Leigh Wood — The WBA Title Defense Story (2022)
In April 2022, the World Boxing Association (WBA) officially ordered Leo Santa Cruz to defend his WBA (Super) Featherweight Title against British contender Leigh Wood (26–2, 12 KOs). The matchup was highly anticipated, as Wood had gained attention earlier that year with his dramatic victory over Michael Conlan, where he delivered a stunning knockout in the final round despite being dropped early and trailing on all scorecards.
The WBA gave both camps a standard 30-day negotiation period to finalize the fight terms. However, as talks progressed, Wood’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, appealed to the WBA for a 50–50 purse split, arguing that Wood’s recent performances and rising popularity warranted equal compensation. The purse split in such cases favored the reigning champion at 75–25, appealing a major discussion point.
A purse bid was initially set for August 12, 2022, but just a week before the deadline, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn revealed plans for Leigh Wood to instead face Mauricio Lara later that September. This unexpected move shifted the WBA’s focus, and negotiations with Santa Cruz’s team reached a standstill.
Agreement Reached — New Fight Plans for Santa Cruz
At the last minute, the purse bid was canceled following an agreement between both sides, with November 2022 marked as a potential target date for a title consolidation fight between Santa Cruz and Wood. However, soon after, the WBA decided to allow both boxers to pursue separate bouts before their unification.
This decision paved the way for Leo Santa Cruz to enter negotiations for a unification match against Rey Vargas, who had recently defeated Mark Magsayo in July 2022 to claim the WBC Featherweight title. The possibility of Santa Cruz facing Vargas generated excitement among fans eager to see another elite featherweight showdown.
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Keenan Carbajal — February 2022 Comeback Fight
Before all the title negotiations unfolded, Santa Cruz had already made his return to the ring earlier in the year. On December 19, 2021, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) announced a stacked card scheduled for February 6, 2022, headlined by Keith Thurman vs. Mario Barrios at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
Santa Cruz was confirmed for the co-feature fight on the undercard, facing Keenan Carbajal (23–2–1, 15 KOs). Originally planned as a 12-round bout, it was later adjusted to 10 rounds. Despite the change, Santa Cruz showcased his experience, composure, and trademark high-volume punching, marking a successful return to action.
The WBA reaffirmed Santa Cruz’s status as the official (Super) Featherweight Champion, emphasizing that his belt remained secure.
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Legacy
Leo Santa Cruz’s legacy is built on heart, humility, and hard work. His fights were never just about winning titles — they were about inspiring fans and honoring his father’s guidance. As of 2025, he’s celebrated not only as a champion but as a role model for young Mexican athletes pursuing their dreams.
