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."

A third scheduled world title fight on the card between International Boxing Federation featherweight world champion Lee Selby of Wales and former world champion Jonathan Victor Barros was cancelled apparently because of Barros health issues.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission said it declined to issue Barros a license and ESPN reported he had tested positive for hepatitis.

Selby, who had said in the build-up to the bout that his dream was to fight in Las Vegas, was gutted at the weigh-in on Friday.

"I'm almost in tears," he said. "But I'm too dehydrated to cry."