I won’t see Frampton stop Cruz, but he can watch me win Gold in Rio, says Barnes

Paddy Barnes believes Carl Frampton will have too much in the skill and strength department for Leo Santa Cruz.

The two time Olympic bronze medal winner has backed his fellow Belfast fighter and close friend to stop the Mexican to claim the WBA featherweight strap in New York on July 30.

Barnes, however, won’t be there to witness the crowning of a two weight World champ as he will be busy trying to win Olympic Gold in Rio, something he believes he will do if ‘The Jackal’ comes to support him in Brazil.

“I am gutted that I can’t make his fight but I am busy with the Olympics,” said Barnes.

“Carl has said that after the Santa Cruz fight he will fly down and cheer me on. And if he does that I will have to win gold.”

“I think Santa Cruz is made for Carl and I see him stopping him. I just think Carl is too good and too strong.”