The turning of the tide: Boxing experts strongly favouring Frampton in Santa Cruz rematch

Oh how times have changed.

Before the initial meeting of Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz in New York last July, Ring Magazine collated predictions from 27 players in the boxing industry.

The views were heavily in favour of the Mexican-American, with 22 picking the then WBA featheweight champ, and just 5 going for Frampton.

The picks came from figures across the world, albeit with a heavy concentration of U.S-based commentators

‘The Jackal’ would, of course, go on to defeat Leo Santa Cruz that night at the Barclays Centre, taking a majority decision (114:114, 116:112, 117:111) points win.

Both before and after the fight, Frampton cited this poll of experts as proof that he was underestimated.

This time round however has seen the tables turned.

Again Ring Magazine have asked industry experts about their views on the fight and, this time, Frampton is the fighter favoured by most to prevail.

23 insiders were polled, and 17 have plumped for the Belfast man, with the remaining 6 going for Santa Cruz.

This change in views is reflected in the betting odds on the fight, with Frampton going from underdog in the first fight to favourite for the Las Vegas repeat.

Being favourite however will not be a problem, according to the Ulster man himself, who has said that he will “prepare like an underdog” regardless.

Keep an eye out tomorrow for our collection of Irish media predictions – they weren’t too far off last time!