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Carl Frampton deserves Fighter of the Year gong says Santa Cruz

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Leo Santa Cruz feels that the man who handed him his only professional loss is a worthy choice for the 2016 Fighter of the Year award.

Belfast’s Carl Frampton prevailed via majority decision against the Mexican-American in a Titanic tussle in New York back in July to take the WBA featherweight title.

A rematch between the pair looks likely, and Santa Cruz has paid his opponent the ultimate compliment ahead of the return leg.

When asked by ES News who his pick for Fighter of the Year is, Santa Cruz stated “maybe Carl Frampton.”

“He fought against Scott Quigg, he unified, then he beat me.”

“He beat two undefeated fighters so I think he could be Fighter of the Year.”

“He’s a great fighter, a great talent, so he deserves it.”

Additionally, El Terremoto hopes that his Barclays Centre-hosted back-and-forth battle with Frampton will be awarded the Fight of the Year gong. Santa Cruz said”hopefully it’s our fight, me and Carl Frampton, hopefully.”

“But there are other great fights, Thurman and Porter, Salido and Vargas, those are great fights to beat but hopefully they pick our fight.”

Other contenders for the Fighter of the Year award include the likes of Roman Gonzalez, Anthony Crolla (if he defeats Jorge Linares this weekend), and the winner of the November showdown between Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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