Leo Santa Cruz (c) vs. Carl Frampton - July 30th 2016

[Stuarty]

LSC seems like a strange choice to me.

He's technically-horrible, and doubtless Frampton could look good for a bit, but LSC is nothing if not strong and relentless, and I'm not sure a cyborg type like that, a weight above in his first outing there, is ideal for Frampton.

I would be less surprised if it was someone shite at 122, or maybe even a 'massive ppv' with Selby at 126.

Agree

LSC's size and persistent physicality would be too much IMO. He's a punching machine (he threw 142 in the opening round on Saturday and generally stays busy late) and would never pull a Quigg.

Yeah LSC would be a hard nights work but I would hope Frampton would be a different proposition at feather. He's open and there to be hit. Frampton has a good selection of punches and mixes them up well. I'd fancy Frampton on points if the two of them fought.

[davie]

It's strange that Carl on one hand is naming a featherweight as his favoured option, yet has stated he made the SBW limit for this fight easier than he has for ages, implying there's no need to move up

[wesshaw1985]

Fr@nk W@rren said in an interview today that Mick Henneseys deal with CH5 runs out after Blackwell/Eubank and that McGuigan and Frampton are due to sign a 4-fight deal with them.
Should be interesting...

[Counter-puncher]

LSC seems like a strange choice to me.

He's technically-horrible, and doubtless Frampton could look good for a bit, but LSC is nothing if not strong and relentless, and I'm not sure a cyborg type like that, a weight above in his first outing there, is ideal for Frampton.

I would be less surprised if it was someone shite at 122, or maybe even a 'massive ppv' with Selby at 126.

Agree

LSC's size and persistent physicality would be too much IMO. He's a punching machine (he threw 142 in the opening round on Saturday and generally stays busy late) and would never pull a Quigg.

Yeah LSC would be a hard nights work but I would hope Frampton would be a different proposition at feather. He's open and there to be hit. Frampton has a good selection of punches and mixes them up well. I'd fancy Frampton on points if the two of them fought.

Disagree,mate, I think framptons short stature would give him all.sorts of problems against LSC, although LSC kindof gives up some of his advantages of reach the way he leans in, still I think he'd be a 'mare for Frampton

[Stuarty]

Agree

LSC's size and persistent physicality would be too much IMO. He's a punching machine (he threw 142 in the opening round on Saturday and generally stays busy late) and would never pull a Quigg.

Yeah LSC would be a hard nights work but I would hope Frampton would be a different proposition at feather. He's open and there to be hit. Frampton has a good selection of punches and mixes them up well. I'd fancy Frampton on points if the two of them fought.

Disagree,mate, I think framptons short stature would give him all.sorts of problems against LSC, although LSC kindof gives up some of his advantages of reach the way he leans in, still I think he'd be a 'mare for Frampton

Yeah I think it would be a bumpy night mate but I'd fancy him to grind out a points win. LSC would be in his face but I reckon he'll end up getting caught with all sorts. I'd like to think Frampton would just be that bit too clever for him. All speculation as I'm hoping a move up will give him a bit more stamina as he's been tiring late in fights recently. I can't see Frampton fighting at SBW for much longer.

[Counter-puncher]

A couple of inches taller and 4" more reach and id agree, but with the frame he has I think a big strong featherweight would be a huge task for Frampton

[Stuarty]

A couple of inches taller and 4" more reach and id agree, but with the frame he has I think a big strong featherweight would be a huge task for Frampton

Perhaps yeah. Hopefully it happens. Should be a good earner for both guys and a decent fight too. I'd fancy Frampton to pick up some rounds out boxing LSC and I'd expect LSC to win some rounds by bullying and pressing. Might end up coming down to the championship rounds and who wants it more. Have you ever seen LSC dropped or troubled? I can't remember.

[ElJefe]

He should fight Rigo but he will fight LSC.

[Tarkus]

Frampton ordered to fight Rigo. I love it. Lets see now if he chickens out and vacates or if he steps up. Moment of truth for Frampton in my estimation.
http://espn.go.com/blog/dan-rafael/post ... rigondeaux

[Counter-puncher]

A couple of inches taller and 4" more reach and id agree, but with the frame he has I think a big strong featherweight would be a huge task for Frampton

Perhaps yeah. Hopefully it happens. Should be a good earner for both guys and a decent fight too. I'd fancy Frampton to pick up some rounds out boxing LSC and I'd expect LSC to win some rounds by bullying and pressing. Might end up coming down to the championship rounds and who wants it more. Have you ever seen LSC dropped or troubled? I can't remember.

I don't recall LSC ever being severely troubled but him never fighting anyone within about 7-10lbs of his natural weight has a lot to do with that, Imo. The great big yellowbreasted cowardly weightdraining ratfuck.

[Stuarty]

A couple of inches taller and 4" more reach and id agree, but with the frame he has I think a big strong featherweight would be a huge task for Frampton

Perhaps yeah. Hopefully it happens. Should be a good earner for both guys and a decent fight too. I'd fancy Frampton to pick up some rounds out boxing LSC and I'd expect LSC to win some rounds by bullying and pressing. Might end up coming down to the championship rounds and who wants it more. Have you ever seen LSC dropped or troubled? I can't remember.

I don't recall LSC ever being severely troubled but him never fighting anyone within about 7-10lbs of his natural weight has a lot to do with that, Imo. The great big yellowbreasted cowardly weightdraining ratfuck.

I forgot you were his biggest fan

[Crease]

Frampton ordered to fight Rigo. I love it. Lets see now if he chickens out and vacates or if he steps up. Moment of truth for Frampton in my estimation.
http://espn.go.com/blog/dan-rafael/post ... rigondeaux

Well it's hardly surprising is it? The WBA had already ordered that the victor MUST face Rigondeaux or face being stripped - and that was before the fight. Personally I think the fight is extremely unlikely top happen now.

[stujones]

I think it might happen.... I also personally think this notion that it wouldn't sell is nonense..... it sounds like Frampton could fight humpty dumpty in Ireland and it will sell like hotcakes. Also, British (and Irish) fans are not so fickle (IMO) when it comes to "Boring" fighters. We appreciate skills and appreciate pedigree a bit more.... there was no problem selling Junior Witter to British TV. Remembering back to when Hearns fought in the UK when way past his prime. The MEN was still pretty packed, if that was in the USA no one would have been there. We appreciate the fine art of boxing more and Rigondeux will do better in the UK than in the USA.

Rigondeux has a history in Ireland also.... this is Frampton's Windsor Park night..... if he wants it, that's the issue does Team Frampton want it.

If allegedly can get Rigondeux vs Dickens in an undercard match, then it doesn't look like Rigondeaux carries too much baggage in terms of demands. Infact it is the perfect fight for Rigondeux, if this can (and it will) capture the British and Irish market, sell out Windsor Park (which it will) in days etc. then American TV will come calling. Like they did for Haye vs Klitchsko.

Only stumbling block (and off course it is not a small one) is the fighters and their management.... I'm not buying any of this "Rigondeaux is no ticket seller" nonsense.... the ticket seller is Frampton.... it will capture UK/Ireland attention and this attention will trickle to the states.

[dohboy]

I want Carl to fight Rigo next but out Shingo Wake as it is more realistic.

Santa Cruz is grossly over rated I have said this for years an call me crazy but I would still fancy Quigg to beat him even at featherweight. I still think Frampton makes him look silly his matchmaking has been pathetic Mares was a ( way way way overdue) great fight then he fights Frampton and Quiggs leftovers with a weight advantage......... Protected won't fight Frampton.

Would love Frampton Donaire actually but it's Arum and Haymon

Frampton v Rigo is Haymon and Roc Nation isn't it? Why I can't see Rigo fight next even though it should be. LSC will be next, 2 Haymon fighters, seems very obvious

[Boxerbeetle]

I'd be very disappointed if Frampton didn't face Rigo as ordered.

[los2]

I think it might happen.... I also personally think this notion that it wouldn't sell is nonense..... it sounds like Frampton could fight humpty dumpty in Ireland and it will sell like hotcakes. Also, British (and Irish) fans are not so fickle (IMO) when it comes to "Boring" fighters. We appreciate skills and appreciate pedigree a bit more.... there was no problem selling Junior Witter to British TV. Remembering back to when Hearns fought in the UK when way past his prime. The MEN was still pretty packed, if that was in the USA no one would have been there. We appreciate the fine art of boxing more and Rigondeux will do better in the UK than in the USA.

Rigondeux has a history in Ireland also.... this is Frampton's Windsor Park night..... if he wants it, that's the issue does Team Frampton want it.

If allegedly can get Rigondeux vs Dickens in an undercard match, then it doesn't look like Rigondeaux carries too much baggage in terms of demands. Infact it is the perfect fight for Rigondeux, if this can (and it will) capture the British and Irish market, sell out Windsor Park (which it will) in days etc. then American TV will come calling. Like they did for Haye vs Klitchsko.

Only stumbling block (and off course it is not a small one) is the fighters and their management.... I'm not buying any of this "Rigondeaux is no ticket seller" nonsense.... the ticket seller is Frampton.... it will capture UK/Ireland attention and this attention will trickle to the states.

all good points........but every mcguigan interview over the last 2 years tells you he wants nothing of rigo..........

[Stuarty]

I think it might happen.... I also personally think this notion that it wouldn't sell is nonense..... it sounds like Frampton could fight humpty dumpty in Ireland and it will sell like hotcakes. Also, British (and Irish) fans are not so fickle (IMO) when it comes to "Boring" fighters. We appreciate skills and appreciate pedigree a bit more.... there was no problem selling Junior Witter to British TV. Remembering back to when Hearns fought in the UK when way past his prime. The MEN was still pretty packed, if that was in the USA no one would have been there. We appreciate the fine art of boxing more and Rigondeux will do better in the UK than in the USA.

Rigondeux has a history in Ireland also.... this is Frampton's Windsor Park night..... if he wants it, that's the issue does Team Frampton want it.

If allegedly can get Rigondeux vs Dickens in an undercard match, then it doesn't look like Rigondeaux carries too much baggage in terms of demands. Infact it is the perfect fight for Rigondeux, if this can (and it will) capture the British and Irish market, sell out Windsor Park (which it will) in days etc. then American TV will come calling. Like they did for Haye vs Klitchsko.

Only stumbling block (and off course it is not a small one) is the fighters and their management.... I'm not buying any of this "Rigondeaux is no ticket seller" nonsense.... the ticket seller is Frampton.... it will capture UK/Ireland attention and this attention will trickle to the states.

100% Agree with all your points mate. Frampton has talked about a stadium fight (Windsor Park) who better to have it against! It's an easy fight to make because as you say Rigo and his team don't come across as if they'll be difficult to deal with. Frampton is my favourite fighter but I have to say that the only way this fight doesn't happen is if there's an unwillingness from Framptons camp. I think Carl himself would take it on tbh so it could be his team advising him not to? It's not a foregone conclusion that Frampton loses to Rigo either IMO. He'd be an underdog but I definitely think he's capable of pulling it off. His last two fights he has hinted about moving up though so possibly he's tight at the weight and maybe LSC over in the U.S. Has the biggest earning potential for him?

Nothing's ever simple in our sport is it....

[Tarkus]

I think it might happen.... I also personally think this notion that it wouldn't sell is nonense..... it sounds like Frampton could fight humpty dumpty in Ireland and it will sell like hotcakes. Also, British (and Irish) fans are not so fickle (IMO) when it comes to "Boring" fighters. We appreciate skills and appreciate pedigree a bit more.... there was no problem selling Junior Witter to British TV. Remembering back to when Hearns fought in the UK when way past his prime. The MEN was still pretty packed, if that was in the USA no one would have been there. We appreciate the fine art of boxing more and Rigondeux will do better in the UK than in the USA.

Rigondeux has a history in Ireland also.... this is Frampton's Windsor Park night..... if he wants it, that's the issue does Team Frampton want it.

If allegedly can get Rigondeux vs Dickens in an undercard match, then it doesn't look like Rigondeaux carries too much baggage in terms of demands. Infact it is the perfect fight for Rigondeux, if this can (and it will) capture the British and Irish market, sell out Windsor Park (which it will) in days etc. then American TV will come calling. Like they did for Haye vs Klitchsko.

Only stumbling block (and off course it is not a small one) is the fighters and their management.... I'm not buying any of this "Rigondeaux is no ticket seller" nonsense.... the ticket seller is Frampton.... it will capture UK/Ireland attention and this attention will trickle to the states.

Agree. I would go even further and say that Frampton v Rigo will sell more in Ireland then Frampton v Santa Cruz. How often local fighter has a chance to dethrone legendary p4p boxer. Santa Cruz is just another brawling Mexican.

[stujones]

Definately Tarkus - Rigondeux is more well known globally, if you ask me, than LSC..... as I said we aint so fickle and with the British/Irish fans lack of state side box office appeal actually adds to his attraction in the UK.

Lets put it this way, I reckon Rigondeux vs QUIGG would sell better in the UK than Brook vs Mike Alvarado - but it would be the latter that would sell in the states. I have no doubt that Klitchsko vs anyone would do well in the UK. We appreciate talent and not just a brawler.

[Counter-puncher]

Did someone call Rigondeaux a legendary p4p fighter?

FFS. wind the hyperbole down eh?

[crusader]

Fight Wake then Rigo.

Frampton didn't look good despite deserving the win today, but I still wouldn't be shocked if he beat Rigo and it would greatly boost his reputation, as least among the sizable group of fans who seem to think that Rigo is some type of boxing god.

Rigo is old. That's the only reason Frampton might beat him. There's the counter argument for any win over Rigo, and if it happens it will be trotted out regularly.

I don't think they fight Rigo anyway. Too much risk for not enough reward.

It seems to me like Rigo is still regarded as an excellent fighter. I'm sure some will mention his age should Frampton win, but I'd be surprised if Frampton's stock didn't go up greatly with a win.

[crusader]

Did someone call Rigondeaux a legendary p4p fighter?

FFS. wind the hyperbole down eh?

That type of stuff gets thrown around a lot with Rigo. Obviously a very good fighter but one of the most overrated in boxing right now, and I don't doubt that if Frampton won many people would credit him with beating a legend.

I really hope that fight happens.

[Boxing Prospect]

I think it might happen.... I also personally think this notion that it wouldn't sell is nonense..... it sounds like Frampton could fight humpty dumpty in Ireland and it will sell like hotcakes. Also, British (and Irish) fans are not so fickle (IMO) when it comes to "Boring" fighters. We appreciate skills and appreciate pedigree a bit more.... there was no problem selling Junior Witter to British TV. Remembering back to when Hearns fought in the UK when way past his prime. The MEN was still pretty packed, if that was in the USA no one would have been there. We appreciate the fine art of boxing more and Rigondeux will do better in the UK than in the USA.

Rigondeux has a history in Ireland also.... this is Frampton's Windsor Park night..... if he wants it, that's the issue does Team Frampton want it.

If allegedly can get Rigondeux vs Dickens in an undercard match, then it doesn't look like Rigondeaux carries too much baggage in terms of demands. Infact it is the perfect fight for Rigondeux, if this can (and it will) capture the British and Irish market, sell out Windsor Park (which it will) in days etc. then American TV will come calling. Like they did for Haye vs Klitchsko.

Only stumbling block (and off course it is not a small one) is the fighters and their management.... I'm not buying any of this "Rigondeaux is no ticket seller" nonsense.... the ticket seller is Frampton.... it will capture UK/Ireland attention and this attention will trickle to the states.

100% Agree with all your points mate. Frampton has talked about a stadium fight (Windsor Park) who better to have it against! It's an easy fight to make because as you say Rigo and his team don't come across as if they'll be difficult to deal with. Frampton is my favourite fighter but I have to say that the only way this fight doesn't happen is if there's an unwillingness from Framptons camp. I think Carl himself would take it on tbh so it could be his team advising him not to? It's not a foregone conclusion that Frampton loses to Rigo either IMO. He'd be an underdog but I definitely think he's capable of pulling it off. His last two fights he has hinted about moving up though so possibly he's tight at the weight and maybe LSC over in the U.S. Has the biggest earning potential for him?

Nothing's ever simple in our sport is it....

Rigo's team have been notoriously difficult to deal with...unless he's left Caribe things are likely to be difficult. It's easy to deal with a guy who's being paid well for a public spar, but when it come to a real fight....

[los2]

finbar's not letting his cash cow go near rigo...........get ready for wake who nearly boxed galahad 2 years ago............

[crusader]

Dan Rafael has tweeted that a deal is close for a summer fight with Santa Cruz, probably in the US.

In my opinion Frampton gets bullied and loses that fight. I used to be confident that he'd win, but I suspect that LSC is better than I thought while Frampton isn't as good as I believed he was.