Leo Santa Cruz reclaimed the World Boxing Association featherweight world title Saturday, handing Carl Frampton the first defeat of his career and avenging his 2016 loss to the Northern Ireland star. In an explosive rematch that lived up to their bruising encounter last July, it was Santa Cruz who this time emerged with a majority decision, with two judges scoring it 115-113 for the US-based Mexican while the third scored it a draw at 114-114.
"I wanted revenge," said Santa Cruz, whose loss to Frampton last year was his first defeat. "I did what I had to do. I knew it was going to be another tough fight and like I said, let's make it a third fight."
Santa Cruz improved to 33-1 with one drawn while Frampton fell to 23-1.
Although Frampton landed plenty of telling blows in a fight filled with frenetic exchanges, he was repeatedly pushed out of position by Santa Cruz's effective jab.
After a strong 11th round, Santa Cruz withstood a desperate attack from Frampton in the final round.
"He was very clever. He used his reach," Frampton said. "I think he deserved it. I'm being honest. I think he deserved it, but it was a very good fight. No excuses."
On the same card, American Mikey Garcia won his third world title with a ruthless third-round knockout of World Boxing Council lightweight champion Dejan Zlaticanin of Montenegro.
A right upper-cut followed by a monstrous overhand right from Garcia knocked Zlaticanin out cold at 2:21 of the third round.