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20th Oct 2016

Carl Frampton confirms rematch with Leo Santa Cruz as first title defence

Repeat or revenge?

Darragh Murphy

Carl Frampton is giving Leo Santa Cruz an immediate chance to reclaim the WBA world featherweight title.

The undefeated Belfast boxer’s first trip to 126lbs was a successful one as he handed Santa Cruz the first loss on his professional record when Frampton moved up in weight in July.

‘The Jackal’ claimed a majority decision over the Mexican in New York to become a two-weight world champion and it seems as though the pair are set to do it all over again.

The Northern Irishman took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to confirm that a deal had been struck for the sequel.

“This is a dream come true for me. As a young boy I dreamed of winning a world title and now I’m a two-weight world champion,” Frampton said after their initial meeting.

“I’d love to give Leo a rematch because he gave me my chance. I’d love to have it in Belfast and show the public how great a warrior he is.”

A date and venue for the rematch have yet to be confirmed but that could change as soon as this evening, with Frampton’s home city a definite candidate.

And given the quality of their first clash, fight fans were licking their lips at the thought of witnessing Frampton vs. Santa Cruz II.

https://twitter.com/Mattbowes80/status/789077617488068608

https://twitter.com/gbrfnt/status/789076545633554432

https://twitter.com/rich0671/status/789080420549787648

https://twitter.com/Deeturk85/status/789077955951689728

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