McCullough turned down Santa Cruz fight on Mayweather Pacqiaou card

MARC McCullough knocked back the chance to fight none other than Leo Santa Cruz on most viewed fight card of all time.

The Belfast featherweight could have softened up the canvas and loosened up the ropes for Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in a mouthwatering undercard clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2, but turned down a late notice fight on the mega card.

Although his team were unaware at the time they rebuffed the chance to fight Carl Frampton target Leo Santa Cruz, the WBC champion was debuting at featherweight and laboured to a points win over builder Jose Cayetano.

Speaking to the Belfast Newsletter John Breen explained

“I got a phone call from Blain McGuigan saying they had a fight for Marc and big money was involved.

“He did not tell me who it was or where it was but that it was a big fight,

“I told him that Marc was a stone over the weight and I would ask Marc what he thought?

“I talked the whole thing through with Marc and we decided not to take the offer. it was only after that we found out that it was Santa Cruz and Las Vegas.

“But the notice we had was too short and Marc will be involved in big fights like this down the line.

“I have watched Santa Cruz and I believe a fully preparedMarc McCullough beats him – and it is also great that Marc is being mentioned at this level.

“I also believe that if Santa Cruz stays at super-bantamweight, Carl Frampton has his number.

“I also believe that Carl beats Guillermo Rigondeaux.Ten months ago I would have laughed at that suggestion, but Carl has improved and I believe he is a very, very special talent.”