Frampton Expects 1500 Fans To Follow Him To Barclays

By Edward Chaykovsky

Carl Frampton is planning to bring an army with him on July 30th, when he moved up in weight to challenge WBA featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz taking in a Showtime televised main event from Barclays Center in New York.

Frampton returns for just his second fight in United States and wants to reclaim the title that his promoter, Barry McGuigan, lost 30 years ago.  McGuigan's loss to Steve Cruz on June 23, 1986 was his second and final fight in the U.S.

The fight will top a loaded card, with Mikey Garcia returning to the ring to take on former world champion Elio Rojas and Tony Harrison trading punches with Sergey Rabchenko in a 154-pound title eliminator.

Also on the card, former champion Paulie Malignaggi will battle Gabriel Bracero, and Ivan Redkach and Tevin Farmer will collide in a crossroads fight.

"We're bringing a lot of lads from back home, and I also hope the Irish-Americans get to know my name, and everyone in Brooklyn as well. I expect about 1,500 traveling fans from Belfast. I think I'll have more support than Santa Cruz," Frampton said.

 "I'm right on the door step of everything. I'm so excited for fight night, it's going to be a truly special experience. It's important to be recognized in the States. This is where all of the great fighters from around the world end up fighting, and I really want to be recognized as a great fighter."
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment in association with Cyclone Promotions and presented by Premier Boxing Champions, start at $38 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, www.barclayscenter.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.