For Carl Frampton it was a crushing blow to lose his world title, to Leo Santa Cruz, in Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time).
As well as losing his coveted belt, the Irishman also lost his first professional fight, albeit against a boxer who has won world titles at three different weights.
But, when it comes to losing, it?s not the loss that is of primary concern, it is the manner in which you deal with the loss and then bounce back.
Following the loss, Frampton spoke about a third fight with the Mexican, hopefully in Belfast, with Frampton quoted as having remarked,
‘I do not believe there is a man in and around this weight division who could beat me in Belfast.
‘Hopefully Santa Cruz can come – I don’t know if he will.’
Just as he had done when he won the title in New York, back in July 2016, Frampton took time to thank his support in his own unique way, hiring out a Las Vegas bar for the night, with Frampton further remarking about the fantastic support that followed him across the Atlantic,
‘I am down in the dumps, but I am not going to not turn up because I lost the fight.
‘The people who came out here have been amazing and I appreciate it. It is very humbling – we took over that arena last night.’
A great gesture from a great fighter and as for coming back better than ever, Frampton concluded with,
‘I believe I can come back stronger.
‘This is sport and sometimes people lose. It is about how you come back.’
Exactly, Frampton will take a third fight with Santa Cruz whether it be in Belfast or Las Vegas and who?d bet against him winning?
Frampton Vows to come back Stronger
