LEO SANTA CRUZ hopes to maintain his unbeaten record in Las Vegas when he fights Carl Frampton in a rematch at the MGM Grand this weekend.
Santa Cruz was handed his first pro defeat by Frampton in New York last year and will challenge Frampton for the WBA featherweight title he previously held.
The Mexican-American hopes to prevail this weekend and set up a trilogy fight with Frampton.
“Hopefully God willing, I will win on Saturday night and if Carl Frampton wants a rematch, I’m happy to give him a rematch and we can make it one of those rivalries that goes back and forth,” he said.
Santa Cruz is 6-0 so far at the MGM Grand, but this is his first time headlining a show in Sin City. Having seen the likes of Floyd Mayweather fend off opposition in the iconic venue, he wants to do the same.
“It’s a very special moment for me,” he said. “When I was small, I watched all the great fighters here, like [Julio Cesar] Chavez and Mayweather.
“I never thought I would headline here and it’s a dream come true.”
There are already plenty of Irish fans in Las Vegas ready to support Frampton, but Santa Cruz anticipates an even split of support on the night, especially with Mikey Garcia also fighting on the bill.
“I’m expecting a great atmosphere,” he said. “I know a lot of Irish people are coming to support Carl Frampton, but I know a lot of people from Mexico are also coming to support me.
“I think it will be 50/50 and I hope the support will be fair, so we get the support we deserve.”
