Leo Santa Cruz vs. Manuel Roman Results: Winner, Recap and Twitter Reaction

WBC super bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (28-0-1, 16 KO) didn't have a hard act to follow, but he did make quick work of former sparring partner Manuel Roman (17-3-3). 

With one huge big right hand in the second round, Santa Cruz finished Roman to retain his title.

John Locher/Associated Press

It was clear from the beginning, it was only a matter of time before Santa Cruz finished Roman. He was faster, more heavy-handed and comfortable. Roman came in with just six knockouts, so his power wasn't going to be much of a threat.

Before he could land anything of note, Santa Cruz had flattened him. Roman was a questionable opponent for a champion like Santa Cruz, who has carried a world title since 2012. The champion had been in only two fights scheduled more than eight rounds in his career.

After the bout, Santa Cruz made no excuses for his choice of opponent: 

If nothing else, it can be said that Santa Cruz dominated an overmatched fighter the way an elite champion should. While most were not impressed with the competition, Twitter did show respect for the punch that put Roman down: 

After this win, Santa Cruz is in position to take on other champions in the super bantamweight division. Steve Kim of UCN has some suggestions:

Santa Cruz used the post-fight interview opportunity to call out Guillermo Rigondeaux:

While it would be interesting to see Santa Cruz face the likes of Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton, a meeting with Rigondeaux seems a bit more exciting.

The two fighters' styles could mesh nicely. Rigondeaux is a classic boxer-puncher with speed, elusiveness and power. Santa Cruz is a come-forward puncher who wears opponents down. Most in the boxing community would love to see how that bout would end.

Ethan Miller/Getty Images

There is of course the Golden Boy-Top Rank feud that throws a monkey wrench in those plans. However, there has been increasing optimism about the two promotional teams agreeing on terms.

Fans can only hope the cold war ends so that they can be treated to a potentially red-hot bout.

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter. I dig boxing and MMA.