Fighting 2, 324 miles away from his comfort zone of Southern California, Leo “El Terremoto” Santa Cruz sought to retain his WBA Super World Featherweight title against the Irish Carl “The Jackal” Frampton. Two undefeated fighters going head to head in front of a crowd of 9062, the Barclays Center boxing fans witnessed a new champion being crowned in Frampton.
This was Frampton’s first fight as a professional at featherweight. Frampton said, “It’s a dream come true. I had the dream of winning a world title and I won it, but I never thought I’d win in two divisions. It was a tough fight, I wanted tit to be a tough fight because I wanted a fight the people could remember. I respect him a lot. He was a true warrior.”
Deemed a fight of the year contender, the unbeaten Mexican native, Santa Cruz gave it his all but in the end the final scores from the judges were 114-114, 116-112, 117-111 with a draw from one judge being the best decision for him. The seven inches of reach and nearly three inches of height advantage Santa Cruz had was not enough to help him as he struggled early in the fight trying to find a plan “B” against a strong, fast Frampton who had a clean fight and was able to get him on the ropes. Frampton is now the first Northern Ireland fighter to win a world title in two weight divisions.
Frampton said, “Distance control and hitting hard. I won the fight because I didn’t lose control. I earned his respect early in the fight with my distance control and hard punching. I would love to take this man to Belfast for a rematch and show the people there what a great fighter he is.” This was the Belfast native’s fifth world title fight.
Never mind that this was Frampton’s first fight in this weight class and the whispers before the fight he would struggle to prove it was where he belongs. Santa Cruz had three previous fights in this weight class. Frampton had control and dominance over much of the beginning of the fight leaving Santa Cruz coming from behind; an unusual spot for him.
After 12 rounds of action in Brooklyn fans were left biting their tongues, unsure if the fight would end in a draw with so many close rounds.
Frampton is managed by Boxing Hall of Famer and former Featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan who held this same title more than 30 years ago. Frampton’s impressive foot speed had Santa Cruz stumbling in the second round and constantly trying to figure out a way to get to his body. Santa Cruz began to look more like himself in round six showcasing why he has held world titles at three different weights. In Round six, Santa Cruz began to show his fans a glimpse of hope.
In Round seven Santa Cruz began to go to the body more. Each round was close but in the end Frampton in front of a rumored 1,500 Irishmen and women was crowned champion.
A huge payday for the fighters and a great fight to end the night for fans.
Santa Cruz said, “It’s hard to get your first loss, but now we’ll go back to the gym, we’ll get the rematch and we’ll win. And that loss will mean nothing. I want to have a rematch in Los Angeles, but I’ll go to Belfast too.”
The question on all our minds now… is when can we see it again?
Frampton said, ”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.”