Positive talks have taken place re Frampton versus Santa Cruz
Not quite as long as Scott Quigg, but Leo Santa Cruz is a name that has been on Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton’s hit list for a number of years now.
The IBF and WBA super bantamweight has been calling for a clash with the Mexican-American for some time. However, although the WBC featherweight title holder has always expressed a willingness to trade leather with Ireland’s first ever unified World champ, a bout never came close to being made.
Santa Cruz was the top of a number of names on Team Frampton’s wishlist post Scott Quigg victory on Saturday night, but this time the clash looks likely.
Not only is the undefeated three weight World champion an option, according to Cyclone Promotions the mega fight could take place in Belfast.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph on Saturday night Jake McGuigan of Cyclone said the PBC fighter’s team want the clash and have made Team Frampton aware of the fact.
“I spoke to Al Haymon’s man and said ‘let’s make the fight’ and he agreed,” said McGuigan.
“The Santa Cruz team genuinely want to make the fight. We’re on the same American TV channel which also helps. His dad was actually there to watch Carl in El Paso, as was Leo, and they may have gained confidence because Carl had gone down.
“We would love the fight for the summer in Belfast and I think we can make him an offer that can help us bring him here but whether it’s the summer or later in the year it’s the biggest fight out there for Carl.
“American fighters are coming to the UK and UK and Irish boxing is booming. It would be a natural outdoor venue fight.”
Guillermo Rigondeax, Lee Selby, Gary Russell Jr, Shingo Wake and even a Quigg rematch have all been mentioned as possible next opponents for the Belfast star, but Santa Cruz, who like Frampton works with PBC and Al Haymon, seems the most desired and highest revenue-generating fight.
