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Santa Cruz unconcerned about the Jackal Army

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Leo Santa Cruz is unconcerned about the prospect of facing a pro-Frampton crowd when the two meet next weekend at the Barclays Centre in New York.

Frampton, who flew out to New York at the start of the month, has been on the charm offensive and has endeared himself to the local Irish-American community. In addition to being adopted by the New York suburb of Westchester, ‘The Jackal’ has also been pulling pints in Irish bars, meeting up with New York legend John Duddy, and even being hosted by the Irish consulate. The Tigers Bay puncher also cheekily appealed for support from the Big Apple’s large Puerto Rican community, the sworn boxing enemies of Mexico. Add to this the expected 1,500 members of the Jackal Army flying over from Belfast and one can expect a majority Frampton split in the crowd on July 30th.

Three weight World champ Santa Cruz however is not bothered, and claims that “I don’t think about it because it’s only us in the ring.”

“It doesn’t matter to me.”

“I would even fight over there in Northern Ireland if we needed to.”

“That’s what a champion does. He fights anywhere.”

Indeed El Terremoto is excited at the prospect of fighting in new territory and explained that “I’m excited to go to New York and hopefully getting some new fans. I’m ready to go.”

Currently in training in California, the WBA featherweight champ will fly across country to New York at the end of the week.

Listen to The Jackal Army in full voice in Manchester back in February:

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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