McAuley believes Santa Cruz rematch will be easier for Frampton

Former IBF flyweight champ Dave Boy McAuley has backed Carl Frampton to retain his World title when he inevitably rematches Leo Santa Cruz.

‘The Jackal’ took Santa Cruz’s WBA featherweight title when the pair met in New York in July, and a return innings to the Fight of the Year candidate is reportedly being eyed for December in Las Vegas.

Larne legend McAuley feels it will be another win for Frampton, who he believes has Santa Cruz’s number, and thinks it will be a more comfortable victory this time round.

Speaking to the Belfast Newsletter, McAuley argued that “Carl has his measure and his number.”

“I am sure that if they meet again Carl will win the fight.”

“Carl has his number and I see him winning the rematch – and he could even stop him this time.”

Indeed McAuley feels that the loss will have had a huge effect on ‘El Terremoto’s’ psyche, and reasoned that “his confidence will have suffered as Frampton was just too good for him.”

“He will also know that Frampton hits very hard and that Carl can hurt him. Trust me these things go through your head.”

“When some guy hits you hard, you go into defence mode and you become very wary – And Santa Cruz throws loads of punches and that leaves him open to counters and he will know that Carl will catch him.”