This will be the fight everyone hoped the Quigg fight would be, says McGuigan

He will have to be at his best, but Carl Frampton will exit a barnstorming Summer showdown with Leo Santa Cruz with the WBA featherweight title wrapped around his waist, claims Barry McGuigan.

The Clones Cyclone, who is Ireland’s last featherweight champion, believes unlike the Scott Quigg fight the Leo Santa Cruz dust up, which looks set to play out in New York on July 30, will be a high octane entertaining affair.

The Irish-boxing legend told the Belfast Telegraph, “We’re delighted that we have got the deal done for the fight with Santa Cruz. It’s a huge fight and these are the kind of fights that Carl wants to be in.

“I am convinced that it’s going to be the fight that everybody hoped the Quigg fight would be. Santa Cruz never stops throwing punches so Carl is going to have to be in the shape of his life and he will be.”

Three weight World champion Santa Cruz, who beat Kiko Martinez on the same night Frampton defeated Quigg, certainly represents ‘The Jackal’s’ toughest test to date.

McGuigan has no issue stressing the Mexican is a ‘formidable fighter’, but remains Cyclone Promotions leading light, Frampton can claim victory on a bout that will be of World interest.

“It’s a really hard fight because Santa Cruz is a formidable fighter, a world champion at three weights but I am convinced Carl can win.”