The superb featherweight battle Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz engaged in last July was, for many people, The Fight of 2016. Back and forth the two unbeaten warriors went, with the intense pace of the high quality fight never once relenting.
Now, in just under a couple of week’s time, the two 130-pounders will do it again – this time at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Both men have promised an improvement on fight-one: Frampton stating how he fully believes he will KO or stop Santa Cruz this time; Santa Cruz vowing he will get revenge for the sole loss of his pro career.
In an article courtesy of Irishboxing, it has been reported how “The Jackal” has been knocking out sparring partners as he readies himself for the January 28 rematch fight. Training out at Shawn Porter Senior’s gym in Vegas, Frampton, 23-0(14) says he feels better than ever and is fully ready to do business.
“I am confident I will knock the guy out on January 28,” Frampton said. “The signs are good in training and I just can’t wait to get out there. I feel good, young and fresh and Santa Cruz will discover just how good I am. I am knocking my sparring partners out and I am better than ever.”
It would of course be very interesting to know just who the sparring partners the Irish star has been working with, or working over, are. But never has Frampton entered a fight in less than great condition. Naturally, the same can be said of Mexico’s Santa Cruz, 32-1-1(18) and he too has predicted a KO win in the eagerly awaited rematch.
But really, it would be quite shocking to see either warrior laid out, unable to continue. Instead, expect a second thrilling points win from Frampton – The Fighter of The Year for 2016 in the opinion of many good judges.
“I am bringing the belt back with me to Belfast,” Frampton vowed. It would take a brave gambler to bet against it.