Injury-free camp for Frampton – reveals “problems” in the build-up to first Santa Cruz fight

Carl Frampton [23(14)-0] has revealed that he had a far from perfect camp for the first Leo Santa Cruz, and has assured fans that everything has gone swimmingly this time round.

The Belfast boxer has explained that he suffered from hand injuries during his preparations for his first meeting with Santa Cruz for the WBA featherweight title last Summer in New York. It didn’t affect the result of the fight however, with Frampton claiming a majority decision points win at the Barclays Centre.

A rematch was subsequently agreed, and the pair will do battle again next Saturday (January 28th) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This time however Frampton promises that his preparations have gone perfectly, and that this difference will be seen in the ring – to the detriment of Santa Cruz [32(18)-1(0)-1].

Speaking yesterday at an open media workout at Shawn Porter’s Las Vegas gym, the Tigers Bay 29 year old described how “this camp has probably went better [than the last one]. I was having a few problems with my hand in the lead-up to the last fight. This camp has went brilliant, I’ve had no trouble.”

“My S&C guy, Daryl Richards as well, has been looking after me in the gym. I’ve always got a little bit of problems around my neck as well but there hasn’t really been any injuries this camp. I’ve been able to put a lot of effort into every session.”

Frampton therefore predicts an improved showing in the Premier Boxing Champions bout next weekend, and reasoned that “I believe that there is a lot more to come for me. It was a good performance from me [in the first fight], but I’ve been performing better behind closed doors for this camp. I’ve been knocking sparring partners out, I’ve been hitting people hard.”

“I think I win this fight more convincingly, I really do.”

–

Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey look ahead to 2017 in episode 1 of The Irish Boxing Show