Frampton loses rematch in first professional defeat
Santa Cruz regains title by narrow majority but third fight could be in Belfast
By Tara McLaughlin Carl Frampton lost his WBA super featherweight title to Leo Santa Cruz in Las Vegas last night. The Belfast man was beaten in the rematch on points in a narrow majority decision after 12 rounds.
Two judges scored in favour of Santa Cruz 115-113, while one scored the fight a draw.
Frampton, 29 previously beat the Mexican fighter in New York in July last year. Santa Cruz regained his title last night in a fight that Frampton said the Mexican "deserved."
"Leo is a tremendous fighter," he said.
"He surprised me with his tactics tonight I honestly didn't believe he could box like he did. "Hand on heart I think that Leo deserved the win.
"A couple of rounds were close and I thought I was doing pretty well on some rounds and Leo used his experience and stole them at the end," commented the Belfast man.
The two fighters seemed keen to make the meetings a trilogy, with Frampton urging Santa Cruz to travel to Belfast for the final showdown.
"I hope he's a man of his word," he said.
"We can do it in Belfast I've came to the States twice but we'll maybe do it in Belfast but we'll see.
"Who knows this could be four, five, six. The fights were good eh...let's do it again please," said Frampton to reporters.
Santa Cruz responded by saying it could be a possibility.
"We're going to talk to my promoter, my manager and if they want to make it a trilogy let's make it. I'm up for it," said the Mexican fighter.
He added: "I say I'm a man of my word and we just got to come to an agreement and if we make it I'll be happy to make it a third fight."
Santa Cruz also commented on rumours that he would retire if Frampton had retained the title. "I put in my mind that if I lost to him twice, I was going to maybe retire because we're here to be the best," he said.
And the Mexican paid tribute to his Belfast opponent.
"He gave me a hell of a fight," he said.
"I always say that he has everything.
"Great skills, great power, great footwork but this time I came with a great game plan," said Santa Cruz.