Carl Frampton defeated Mexico's Leo Santa Cruz by a majority decision Saturday to claim the WBA featherweight crown and become the first boxer from Northern Ireland to win titles in two divisions. The challenger Frampton improved to 23-0 with 14 knockouts as he had to overcome a height and weight disadvantage in one of the few times in his career he has moved up to fight at 126 pounds.
"It is a dream come true," said Frampton, who was born in Belfast. "I had a dream of winning a world title and I won it.
"I won it with my heart, not with my head. I got my hand raised."
The 29-year-old Frampton controlled the fight between the two undefeated boxers in the early rounds, landing a punishing left hook in the second round that sent the champ back-pedalling across the ring.
He then held on for the win as Santa Cruz gained steam in the middle rounds before the two closed it out by exchanging heavy blows in the middle of the ring as the final bell rang.
One judge scored it even, 114-114, while the other two gave it to Frampton 117-111 and 116-112.