Golden Boy Owner Oscar De La Hoya proclaimed 2016 the worst year in boxing history, a reach for sure, but after only a month into 2017 there’s no way that he can re-up on that statement.
Leo Santa Cruz and Carl Frampton had what most considered the fight of the year for 2016 and their rematch in 2017 didn’t disappoint.
Was it as action packed as the first? No. How could it be?
What it turned out to be was a chess match with a mixture of flurries. From the opening round both fighters let the leather fly and unlike the first match-up Leo Santa Cruz got the better of the exchanges early. Santa Cruz had his signature high-volume style but his improved focus on boxing at a distance helped him get out to an early lead on the cards.
Leo constantly used his movement and jab to keep Carl at a distance. His crushing left hooks to the body quickly sapped Frampton of his power. Limiting the power punches when he was fresh was a key to not ending up on the canvas. Those early round proved pivotal for Santa Cruz given he won a majority decision, the same decision he lost in the first meeting.
As far as Carl Frampton, he recognized that he did too much brawling during the fight. When he was able to slow the pace in the middle rounds and cut off the ring he enjoyed much success. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do that consistently enough and it cost him in the end.
Obviously, in every fight theirs a declared winner and a loser but tonight the true beneficiaries were boxing fans because for the first time since Pacquiao-Marquez they’ll be treated to a long-lasting feud.
Boxing has been hoping to return to its ‘glory days’ of competitive match-ups and top-level fights. This is now the second time that these men have put on a show and it most certainly be the last. Both fighters recognized the need for a rubber match and it is refreshing to hear that immediately after a bout. No need to consult with promoters or managers; just a thirst to do what is right and entertaining.
For this reason, 2017 is already a better boxing year than 2016. For the first time in a long time boxing fans have confidence that they’ll get the matches they deserve and that’s a win bigger than any that happened inside the ring.