Last night, after an enthralling fight for the WBA world featherweight title, it was Carl Frampton that emerged victorious.
The fighter from Northern Ireland replicated the feat his mentor and manager Barry McGuigan had done some thirty-one years ago when he too claimed the title beating Eusebio Pedroza at Loftus Road.
Having become Northern Ireland?s first two weight world champion, a delighted Frampton had this to say to the media,
‘I wanted to be in a fight people would remember.
‘I wanted to be in with true champions like Leo Santa Cruz.
‘This guy is a three-weight world champion. He is a true warrior and I respect him a hell of a lot.
‘I would love to bring him to Belfast and show them an amazing fighter but I have a good relationship with Lee Selby’s team. I want to be the best and be involved in big fights.’
Would that seem to indicate there is no re-match clause in the contract and that Frampton?s team will be targeting Lee Selby next?
As for Leo Santa Cruz, the Mexican having suffered his first loss as a professional, was magnanimous in defeat, remarking to the media,
‘It was a pretty tough fight but now I want a rematch. I don’t care where.
‘He’s a great champion and he’s got a very difficult style. It’s hard to forget your first loss but I will go back to the gym and get a rematch.’
Let?s hope we do see a re-match, last night was one of those fights boxing craves for and another would be pure poetry.
Frampton v Santa Cruz ? Fighters Views
