Cruz: I want a unification bout with Frampton next

LEO Santa Cruz says he would like a unification bout with IBF super bantamweight champion Carl Frampton if both emerge victorious from their upcoming bouts.

The Mexican defends his WBC super-bantamweight title against Jesus Ruiz this Saturday in Las Vegas, but is hoping to battle Frampton in the near future.

Frampton, who defends his title against Chris Avolas in Belfast on February 28, has been keen on a Cruz bout for sometime now, but fight hasn’t materialised. Cruz, who has also name dropped Scott Quigg and Guillermo Rigondeaux during fight week,  says he has been ‘waiting’ on the Frampton fight, but there are suggestions his promoters Golden Boy are not overly keen.

However, a fight against IBF king Frampton interests the California-based boxer and he will wait to see if the Belfast man makes a successful first defence against Chris Avalos in February.

Asked about a clash with Frampton, Santa Cruz told Sky Sports: “Yeah, I think so, I want to fight him.

“I’ve been wanting to fight him since a while ago. He has the IBF now so I think a unification could come right there.

“Right now, I think he’s got a mandatory against Avalos, so hopefully after that one – if I’m available – I would like to unify against him.”

Cruz, who provides Frampton with the opportunity to gain Stateside recognition, also said he was willing to come to Belfast to fight ‘The Jackal’.

“I would like to fight over there because they say it’s really nice. I’m willing to go and I’d like to go to different places to fight.”