Santa Cruz beats Frampton on points
Frampton loses for the first time in his professional career as Santa Cruz beats him on points at the the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to regain the WBA featherweight title. One judge scored the fight a draw, but the other two favoured Santa Cruz 115-113. Frampton asks for a rematch in Belfast. Santa Cruz:
He is a great fighter and a great counter-puncher. It was tough to change my style. In my head I wanted to go for it, but I was told to box him and that’s what I did. I am a man of my word. Let’s go again.
Frampton:
Leo probably deserved it. It was my fault and I want to apologise to the travelling fans. I hope we can do it again – we need to do it again…My feet were a bit slow. I needed to let my hands go a bit more when I got close. We had a fantastic training camp, I felt completely prepared. I feel like I’ve let the people down.
Frampton beats Gonzalez
In a unanimous decision after 12 rounds, Frampton beats Gonzalez in El Paso, Texas. Two judges scoring 116-108 in Frampton’s favour while the third scores 115-109. Frampton is put on his knees twice and given a standing eight count in the first round. Frampton:
My legs went stiff and I couldn’t use my toes for a while, but it was a flash knockdown, I came back and I won. The performance wasn’t great and I really wanted another knockout but I’ll take the win
