Santa Cruz set for big October rematch but not with Frampton

Leo Santa Cruz is has agreed to a massive rematch this year, but unfortunately for Irish fight fans he hasn’t agreed a repeat with Carl Frampton.

The WBA world  featherweight champion will instead fight Abner Mares for a second time.

The rematch of their thrilling 2015 featherweight title bout is slated to take place October 7 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, according to  RingTV.com

‘The Jackal’ was hoping to fight Santa Cruz for a third time in Belfast this Summer, but the American-Mexican wasn’t willing to travel for the rubber match.

He know renews acquaintances with fan favourite Mares putting the Frampton return on the long finger.

The Belfast fighter, who has a July 29 homecoming to look forward to, has stated he wants to be out again by December at the very latest.

December may prove a bit too early for Cruz if he is to fight in October, meaning a hot at Lee Selby’s IBF featherweight title may be more likely for Frampton before the year is out.