Cruz: Frampton is the one to beat, but I know how to beat him

WBC World champion Leo Santa Cruz says he knows how to beat Carl Frampton and has urged Golden Boy to make a unification with bout with the popular IBF champion.

American based Mexican, Cruz takes defends his title against another under whelming opponent in Jesus Ruiz on the undercard of the first Heavyweight World title fight to visit Las Vegas in nine years tonight.

If both Cruz, whose bout will be aired on Boxnation, as expected disposes of Ruiz and Frampton beats former Cruz sparring partner Chris Avalos on February 28, the Golden Boy puncher wants ‘The Jackal’ next.

Speaking during fight week the super bantamweight has also named dropped Scott Quigg and Guillermo Rigondeaux, but claims the Cyclone Promotions man is the one the beat in an exciting division.

“Frampton is the one of the fights that definitely interests me and I want to make happen this year because Frampton’s a great fighter, he comes forward and is really strong. He’s got a good record and right now I think he’s the one to beat. Beating him would be great for me and I could then move up [divisions] and go as far I want. He’s a great opponent and he’s the number one I would pick to fight.

Frampton and his team have been keen on the Cruz clash for some time now, but there is a feeling, especially considering the well known names recent opponent selection, that team Cruz are somewhat fearful of the IBF title holder.

However, the undefeated two weight champion claims he has Frampton’s number and knows hows to end ‘King Carlos’ reign.

“I think it’s a fight where the fans will win because they will get a great fight. He has a great style and I have a good style always going forward so I think that it would make an interesting and entertaining fight. The way to beat him is stay on top of him, working the body, punish him and have great conditioning so you can be there in every round and break him down. I’m going to work the body and pressure him and pressure him,” added Cruz before highlighting body punching as key to beating the IBF title holder.

“I think his one flaw is his body. I think towards the later rounds he gets tired so I think that’s when you can take advantage of that if you have good stamina. In the later rounds then ‘pressure, pressure’, try to get him tired and see if he will stop coming forward.”