Santa Cruz vs Martinez: Oscar Rivas fails eye exam, fight with Gerald Washington scrapped

Gerald Washington's fight with Oscar Rivas for Saturday night's Showtime card at the Honda Center in Anaheim has been canceled, as Rivas failed a pre-fight eye exam and was declined a license by the California State Athletic Commission.

Rivas, 28, has had several eye surgeries over the years, which has played a big role in his slow development as a professional fighter, after turning pro in 2009. The former Olympian from Colombia, now based in Montreal, has fought his entire pro career in Quebec, save for one fight last June in Shelton, Washington.

Gerald Washington (16-0-1, 11 KO) was looking to bounce back from a controversial draw last October against Amir Mansour, and was being thrown right back into the fire against a talented fighter with a strong amateur pedigree. When Washington spoke with us on the BLH Podcast, he was looking forward to the chance to show improvements. Now, he'll have to find a new fight, hopefully soon.

The Showtime card will go ahead as a doubleheader, with Leo Santa Cruz facing Kiko Martinez in the featherweight main event, and Julio Ceja facing Hugo Ruiz in a super bantamweight rematch.