At the final media workout prior to Saturday’s title fight at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, WBA World featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KO KOs) and former WBA/IBF super bantamweight champion Carl Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) met with the press at Church Street Boxing in lower Manhattan.
“I’m ready to come here and give a great fight,” said Santa Cruz. “I want to make it a war. Carl Frampton is a great fighter and he makes for an interesting fight. People think Frampton is the underdog because he’s moving up in weight. But I moved up in weight too. I never take an opponent lightly. I’m going to come really hungry. I respect every fighter and I train for my opponent to be at his best. This could definitely be a career-defining fight. I think getting a win over Carl Frampton will get me to the next level. I think the winner of the fight will be considered one of the best fighters in the world.”
When Frampton defeated WBA champion Scott Quigg in February to unify the WBA and IBF super bantamweight titles, many thought he would clean out the division. But Frampton had bigger fish to fry and set his sights on Santa Cruz.
“I’ve dealt with fighting bigger guys throughout my whole career. I’m used to it,” said Frampton. “I’ve fought bigger guys than Santa Cruz. I think on fight night I’m going to be stronger. People forget that he started his career at bantamweight while I fought as a featherweight in the amateurs. On the night, I’ll be the bigger man and that will be the difference. All the pressure is on Santa Cruz. Everyone is expecting him to win. I’m going to come in there and upset him. I’m here to put on a great performance and bring the belt back home.”
Upholding a great boxing tradition, both fighters have respected elder statesmen in their corner.
Jose Santa Cruz, Leo’s father and trainer, has been with his son every step of the way.
“I’m really happy to be here,” he said. “I’ve been at all of Leo’s fights and it’s great to be at this one. This is just another reason to be happy. I’m so thrilled for Leo that he has this opportunity and to be here for him. I know Frampton is undefeated, but Leo comes very prepared. He has worked hard in camp, like he always does. Hopefully both fighters give the fans a good fight on fight night.”
Frampton’s manager is Barry McGuigan, a beloved former champion of proud Hall of Famer.
“This is a can’t miss fight,” he said. “It can’t be a bad fight, no matter how you look at it. It’s going to be an exciting fight. It might start off tepid, but it’s going to develop into a phenomenal fight. The mesh of styles is going to make this a Fight of the Year candidate. What’s important is winning on Saturday night. We put so much time and commitment to this game. You don’t want to do all that work and lose. Getting the win is vital.”
Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton will be televised live Saturday night on Showtime Championship Boxing starting at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
