Frampton hoping for post-fight pint with retirement-threatening Santa Cruz

Carl Frampton [23(14)-0] wants to go for a beer with upcoming opponent Leo Santa Cruz – and perhaps try convince him not to retire – if it’s a case of repeat rather than revenge in Las Vegas tonight.

‘The Earthquake’ is coming to shake things up and wants to regain the WBA featherweight title that once sat proudly around his waist when the pair renew acquaintances at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Sin City.

There is a lot on the line for both, but like the first time round the build up has been bad blood free. However, Santa Cruz [32(18)-1(0)-1] has raised the stakes somewhat by claiming that he will retire should he lose to ‘The Jackal’ again.

Frampton is, as always, confident of emerging victorious, and pledged to buy the former three weight world champion a pint.

“I’m very confident,” Frampton said on Sky Sports News.

“We’re kicking off 2017 with a top-quality fight with Leo again. There’s a lot of respect between us two, there’s no messing around at all.”

“We’ll shake hands before the fight, we’ll shake hands after the fight, maybe we’ll even go for a pint. Who knows? There’s no doubt we’ll put it all on the line, both of us.”

Having claimed victory when the pair meet in New York in July, ‘The Jackal’ knows there is more pressure on his rival.

However, he thinks his opponents suggestions he might retire at the tender age of 27 if he suffers a second are a bit dramatic.

“Obviously there’s more on the line for both of us.”

“I had a great year last year. I was named fighter of the year by many bodies and I want to prove it wasn’t a fluke.”

“He does need it [victory] – he’s spoken about retiring if he loses this fight,” added Frampton.

“He doesn’t need to speak about that, he’s still a young guy. I believe myself to be a decent fighter so he doesn’t need to retire if he takes a loss again to someone like me.”