Frampton defeated in rematch

Carl Frampton fell to the first defeat of his career and lost his WBA 'super' featherweight title after been edged on points by Leo Santa Cruz in Las Vegas in the duo’s rematch on Saturday night.

Frampton failed to replicate his points victory in the first bout, leaving Santa Cruz to claim a narrow victory with two judges scoring 115-113, while the third judge scored the bout a 114-114 draw.

The Jackal rallied late-on, but could not take command of the fight, with Santa Cruz using his reach and height to frustrate the 29-year-old.

Immediately after the clash, both fighters suggested that the trilogy will take place, possibly in Belfast.

"He can come and stay in my house if he wants and we can get it on for a third time," said Frampton after the defeat.

"After that, I could come to LA, who knows? This could be three, four or five fights. I want to fight Leo again, straight away.

"I won the first fight, he won the second fight, let's just do it straight away.

"I feel like I've been on the road for two years now, fans are spending a lot of money to come and see me. I would like to repay them with a fight at home. Let's get it right and settle the score in number three."

The former two-weight world champion admitted the Mexican deserved the victory, and used his experience to cross the line.

"I'm very disappointed, it was a good fight. Me and Leo have had 24 rounds with each other, they've all been competitive. It's 1-1 now so if I'm to look at any positive out of this, it's that we have to make it a trilogy," continued Frampton.

"He surprised me. I honestly didn't know he could box like that. Hand on heart, I feel he deserved the win. Leo used his experience and stole [a couple] of rounds at the end.

"I feel like I had a bad start. My feet weren't what they should have been and I played to Leo's plan. I was coming forward trying to be the aggressor. I prefer people coming to me.

"The game plan was good. I had an unbelievable camp, I sparred well. I can't really make excuses."

Image/GetttyImages/SteveMarcus

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