“I’m a man of my word” – Santa Cruz promises Frampton rematch

Before the second installment of what has the potential to be long running and entertaining saga, Leo Santa Cruz promised Carl Frampton that he would rematch the Belfast fighter in his home town should he gain revenge.

The Mexican-American did indeed exact revenge last night in Las Vegas and, while he didn’t go as far to say he would travel across the Atlantic to Belfast this Summer, the new WBA featherweight World champion did say he would grant ‘The Jackal’ a rematch.

Santa Cruz, who outpointed Frampton 114-114, 115-113 x2 in a return that wasn’t as explosive but was equally as close and entertaining as the first meeting, said afterwards that he would stay true to his word and fight Frampton for a third time.

However, ‘El Terremoto’ did claim that the final decision is out of his hands, and noted potential other options

“I have to talk to my promoter, my manager, but if they want to make it a trilogy, let’s make it. I’m up for it. I’m a man of my word and we just have to make an agreement – but there are many options out there too.” Santa Cruz said at the post-fight press conference.

“Carl Frampton is a great fighter, a great man, I respect him. He has everything, great skills, great power, great footwork, but this time I came with a great gameplan.”

Santa Cruz would later elaborate, describing how “Frampton deserves it [an immediate rematch] he is a great fighter. If it was up to me, I’d give him the fight right away – but it’s not up to me. It’s up to my manager, my promoter, and if they come to an agreement, I’m up for it.”

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Eric Donovan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 2 of the Irish Boxing Show: