Sport

Carl Frampton wins WBA Super World Featherweight title on historic night in New York

Carl Frampton is the first Northern Irishman to win win world titles in two weight divisions
Carl Frampton is the first Northern Irishman to win win world titles in two weight divisions Carl Frampton is the first Northern Irishman to win win world titles in two weight divisions

CARL Frampton was crowned king of New York and world featherweight champion after an unforgettable win over Leo Santa Cruz in an absorbing slugfest in Brooklyn last night.

‘The Jackal’ added the WBA featherweight belt to the IBF and WBC super-bantamweight titles he vacated earlier this year with a superb performance at the Barclays Center.

The Belfast fighter simply refused to lose a showdown that was tactical at times but mostly a brutal war with both boxers throwing everything they had into the mix from the first bell to the last when the referee – who was a virtual spectator throughout – moved in to prise them apart. 

By the end Frampton’s power and ring generalship held sway over Santa Cruz’s all-action style. One judge called it a draw (114-114) while the others went in favour of the Belfast man – 117-111 and 116-112.

“I think that’s going to be a fight that defines part of my career,” said Frampton afterwards.

“I’ve just made history – I’m the only Northern Irishman to win world titles in two weight divisions. I’ve just beaten a great fighter and it was the best fight of my life.” 

It was Frampton’s cleaner punching and shot selection that won it for him. According to the Compubox stats he threw 668 shots and landed 242 while Santa Cruz threw an even 1000 punches, but landed just 255. With top drawer quality like that it was no surprise that promoter Lou Di Bella predicted that there will be a rematch before too long and Santa Cruz added that he wants a rematch.

“I want it in LA but I’ll go to Belfast,” he said.

Frampton was expected to box off the back foot but instead chose to stand and trade and he punished Santa Cruz with trademark left hooks regularly over the 12 rounds.

Roared on by a sizeable travelling support and a good turnout from New York’s Irish-American population in the 9000 crowd, Frampton landed the big early shot he was after when he drilled the California-based Mexican into the ropes in the second round.

‘El Terramota’ did well to stay on his feet but the punch ended his early bravado as Frampton took control in the third, controlling the distance and finding a way through Santa Cruz’s guard with a stinging uppercut.

By the fifth Santa Cruz’s much vaunted punching rate had slowed considerably and Frampton landed the cleaner shots to shade an attritional round. Santa Cruz came back in the sixth and won the round - but at a price. The first half was a battle as the pair of them stood and traded, both landing clubbing blows to the head and body and Frampton looked relieved to hear the bell at the end of the round.

But his fighting heart and skill inspired him to rally and take the next three sessions.  

The rounds were tight and Santa Cruz had success with his right hand, but Frampton found a way to turn them his way and he left his opponent needing a spectacular finish to win. He did his best to produce it but ‘the Jackal’ would not be denied and won the last to seal a famous victory.

Here's the moment 'The Jackal' made history...