“It’s Carl’s to lose” – Paddy Barnes backs Frampton to defeat Santa Cruz

Carl Frampton knows he has the power to stop Leo Santa Cruz this coming Saturday night, and will go and take the Mexican out, claims fellow pro and long-time friend Paddy Barnes.

Barnes, who was best man at ‘The Jackal’s’ wedding, has always been out spoken about the talent his best mate possesses, and remains confident in the two-weight World champions abilities.

The MTK fighter, who fights for the second time as a pro on a Jamie Conlan topped Waterfront Hall hosted bill on February 18h, believes it will be a case of repeat and not revenge when Frampton and Santa Cruz rematch in Las Vegas.

In fact, Barnes thinks the Belfast fighter could stop the former three weight World champion this time around.

“I think it will be quite similar to the first time, but I think Frampton could stop him lat. He hurt him quite early in the first fight and I think he knew it was early so he didn’t step on the gas. I think he goes in there knowing he can hurt him and he will go out there with that attitude. I think he will try put him away,” Barnes told IFL TV.

The three-time Olympian and two-time bronze medalist agrees with suggestions from Team Frampton that Santa Cruz won’t be able to change tactics as he bids to regain his title.

“I don’t think Santa Cruz can do much different. Santa Cruz is class at what he does and that is how he fought Carl the first time, but Carl is so versatile. He can fight on the front foot, back foot, he can stand and trade so it’s Carl’s to lose and he is not going to lose.”

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