For the 5,000 fans who traversed the Atlantic in the hope to see their hero successfully defend his WBA featherweight title, there will no doubt be disappointment. However, they can be safe in the knowledge that Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz look set to conclude their rivalry with a fitting trilogy.
‘The Jackal’ relinquished his WBA featherweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas after a majority decision defeat which was also the first in Frampton’s professional career.
In yet another gripping fight between the pair, Santa Cruz made his intentions known from the start, as unlike their previous meeting, the Mexican utilised his reach advantage and frustrated Frampton with his jab.
It was a much smarter Santa Cruz from the previous fight and his determination not to get drawn into a brawl with the Belfast native was a clear sign that he meant business.
After losing the first two rounds, Frampton knew he had it all to do if he was to keep hold of his belt but unfortunately for the 29-year-old, he was chasing the fight for the remaining rounds and Santa Cruz did excellently not to let The Jackal back in.
The judges’ scorecards revealed a 115-113, 115-113, 114-114 victory for Santa Cruz but immediately after the fight, talk about a third fight had already begun, according to RTE Sport.
“Before the fight I said I wanted revenge and I wanted to work hard,” said the newly-crowned champion.
“Carl Frampton is a good fighter. Let’s make it a third fight!”
Framtpon, who apologised about his performance immediately after the fight, also revealed he was thinking about a third and final bout with the Mexican.
“It was a very tough fight. Some of the rounds were close. I really think Leo deserved it,” said the Belfast native. “He told me what he was going to do. The brawler was out-boxing the boxer. My fault.”
Frampton hopes that Santa Cruz will fulfill a prior agreement between the pair, whereby Santa Cruz will travel to Belfast to face Frampton in a third fight.
“I hope we can do it again. It’s 1-1, we have to do it again,” he said. “I hope Leo is a man of his word. He said if it was a third fight, he’d come to Belfast. I hope he does.”
Considering the captivating nature of what has been on display in both fights between the pair, fans will undoubtedly be relishing the prospect of this trilogy concluding in Frampton’s hometown.
