Leo Santa Cruz – “All I’ve thought about since the fight was this rematch”

From the moment he heard Jimmy Lennon Jr say ‘and the new’ in New York back in July, Leo Santa Cruz has been plotting revenge over ‘the great Irish champion’ Carl Frampton.

‘The Jackal’ outpointed the Mexican-American via majority decision on a historic night for Irish boxing, winning the WBA featherweight World title in what was his first fight at 126lbs.

The previously unbeaten Santa Cruz admits that, from the second he realised he had suffered his first defeat, all he can think about is his return and winning the title back.

“From the moment our last fight ended, when the decision came and I lost the fight, I knew my only goal was to get my belt back,” said Santa Cruz, who comes to Frampton’s hometown of Belfast to start a press tour next week.

“When I sat in the locker room afterward, I felt more motivated than ever to get back in the gym. All I’ve thought about since the fight was this rematch.”

While he has thankfully recovered, the three-weight World champion’s father was ill during preparations for the first installment, and Santa Cruz claims there will be no such distractions ahead of the repeat scheduled for January 28th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“There won’t be any distractions in this camp. I’ll be heading into the fight with a better gameplan. I’m putting in 100 percent in training and I’m excited to get in the ring on January 28th to get my belt back.”