A trilogy that the world wants to see.
Carl Frampton suffered the first loss of his professional career as Leo Santa Cruz gained a measure of revenge and reclaimed the WBA featherweight from the Northern Irish fighter.
The 10,000 crowd certainly got value for their money as the duo exchanged some ferocious blows over 12 exciting rounds, but ultimately the judges scored the fight in favour of Santa Cruz, 115-113, 115-113, 114-114.
Immediately after the fight, the Mexican boxer was already talking up the potential trilogy fight. “Before the fight I said I wanted revenge and I wanted to work hard. Carl Frampton is a good fighter. Let’s make it a third fight!”, said the new champion.
Frampton was honest in his assessment of the fight and had no complaints about the overall result: “It was a very tough fight. Some of the rounds were close. I really think Leo deserved it. He told me what he was going to do. The brawler was out-boxing the boxer. My fault”, said the 29-year-old.
It appears that a trilogy fight is on the cards, and the sportsmanship and respect between them was a lesson to all.
Frampton suggested that Belfast could be the potential venue for a third showdown between these two great fighters. “I hope we can do it again. It’s 1-1, we have to do it again. I hope Leo is a man of his word. He said if it was a third fight, he’d come to Belfast. I hope he does”, he said.
While Belfast might be an unlikely venue, plenty of people will love to see another meeting between the pair.
Great fight, didn't expect Leo to be able to box how he did! Third fight needs to happen now😱 Hard luck @RealCFrampton!! #framptonsantacruz2
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) January 29, 2017
Don't think the 3rd fight will be in Belfast/Ireland.. Santa Cruz in the driving seat. If he thought NY was bad, no way he'll go 2 Belfast
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) January 29, 2017
2 incredible warriors @RealCFrampton and @leosantacruz2. We're all so proud of you Carl. Let's get it on again in Belfast!! #trilogy
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) January 29, 2017
Frampton says Santa Cruz can come to stay in his house if he'll agree to a trilogy fight in Belfast, then adds they can do it 4, 5 times
— Kevin Byrne (@KevByrneBox) January 29, 2017
The grace of Frampton in defeat is nothing but sheer class. A throughly decent human being. A trilogy has to happen. Two superb fighters
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) January 29, 2017
Frampton – Utter class. So gracious in defeat… but let's make it a trilogy… and bring it to Belfast. 🥊 #framptonsantacruz2
— Holly Hamilton (@HollyHNews) January 29, 2017
Leo arrives at presser. Calls Frampton "a great fighter, a great man." Says he's up for the trilogy. #FramptonSantaCruz2 #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) January 29, 2017
Gutted for Carl Frampton. An incredible boxer. He'll be back. A trilogy with Leo Santa Cruz is a hell of a consolation.
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) January 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/TeamFA/status/825569521650036740
https://twitter.com/SteHails17/status/825609144027738113
https://twitter.com/hoganwatford/status/825600115691909120
https://twitter.com/CianByNature/status/825569565350436865
Very sporting and honest from Carl Frampton. Great fight, let's have the trilogy #FramptonSantaCruz2
— Barry Fitzgerald (@bfitzgerald76) January 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Flecko_85/status/825619304565596160
