Frampton ‘knocking out sparring partners’
Frampton says he is looking forward to the Santa Cruz fight.
I am confident I will knock this guy out on January 28th. The signs are good in training and I just can’t wait to get out there. I feel good, young and fresh and Santa Cruz will discover just how good I am. I have felt great in training. I know a lot of boxers say they have had an ‘amazing camp’ and they feel ‘in the best shape ever.’ but I really do feel that way. I am knocking my sparring partners out, and I am better than ever. I am looking forward to this fight and I am bringing the belt back with me to Belfast.
ESPN.com fighter of the year
ESPN.com awards Frampton “Fighter of the year”:
No other fighter in 2016 scored such an impressive combination of victories in high-profile bouts against elite opponents — in multiple divisions, on the road — with one of them a contender for fight of the year.
Frampton:
It’s been a great year for myself. I’ve fought on the road twice against two good fighters. The biggest win for me was the Leo Santa Cruz fight. He was a three-weight world champion and most of the press and bookies picked him to win. You can see the difference in how I reacted at the end of both fights. I knew I was a better fighter than Quigg, but the Santa Cruz victory was the one I got more pleasure from. Being even considered as a fighter of the year is a huge honor for me and very humbling. But the thing is, I’m kicking off 2017 with a bang and it has the potential to be even better than ’16.
‘One of the nicest guys I’ve shared a ring with’
Frampton pays tribute to Gonzalez on Twitter.
Just hearing the tragic news about Alejandro Gonzalez jr. One of the nicest guys I've shared a ring with. RIP Champ #Cobrita pic.twitter.com/3DiCzVjpEv
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) December 9, 2016
Nominated for RTÉ Sportsperson of the year
Frampton makes the shortlist for the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year. Other sportspeople shortlisted include UFC fighter Conor McGregor, rugby player Jamie Heaslip, and Olympic rowing medalist Paul O’Donovan. The winner is determined by fans, who can vote for Frampton by texting ‘E’ to 53125 (Ire & NI only), or by voting online here. Voting closes Monday 12 December at 10am with the winner announced live on Saturday 17 December. The award ceremony will be screened the same day at 9pm.
Frampton: McGregor can’t beat Mayweather
Frampton says McGregor cannot beat Mayweather.
He’s almost like sticking the fingers up to the UFC. He can say ‘I can do what I want’. I like him. Fair play to him. We don’t know [if he’s the real deal in boxing] yet. Give him a year or so and who knows? He comes from a boxing background…He can obviously punch very hard…I would love to [work out with him]. He’s someone I admire a lot.
Can he hang in there with Mayweather.
No-one can. Not at boxing.
Venue, date, undercard announced
The WBA announces that Frampton will defend his WBA featherweight title for the first time against former holder Santa Cruz on January 28, 2017, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena. Both the Barclays Centre in New York and the MGM had been placed on hold, with Vegas eventually winning out. The headline fight will be supported by a lightweight title fight between champion Dejan Zlaticanin and Mikey Garcia.
Jeez, if I wasn't busy that night I'd love to watch this bill https://t.co/H1rserWT5M
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) October 20, 2016
Confirms Santa Cruz rematch
Frampton confirms his upcoming rematch with Santa Cruz.
Done deal! The rematch vs @leosantacruz2 is on!!! More news to come soon #AndStill
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) October 20, 2016
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
Youth boxing match video
Frampton, wearing grey, shows his skills in the ring age of eight or nine, at Midland Boxing Club.
