Leo Santa Cruz's Dad Says Frampton Rematch Deal is Very Close

By Miguel Rivera

Jose Santa Cruz, father and trainer of Leo Santa Cruz (32-1-1, 18KOs), says a deal is getting close for a rematch with WBA world featherweight champion Carl Frampton (23-0, 14KOs).

Frampton wants the rematch to take place in December. He captured the WBA title from Santa Cruz with a twelve round unanimous decision on July 30th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

There was a rematch clause in the bout agreement and it will take place once again in the United States. The only thing left is for both sides to reach an agreement on the date and venue.

Because the rematch is close to coming together, Jose Santa Cruz reveals that his son has already started training for a possible fight in late November or early December.

The two locations being mentioned are Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Las Vegas is more than likely the location, because Frampton has stated several times that he won't be fighting Santa Cruz in Los Angeles.

"Well it seems that the plans are going well and [Frampton] will provide a direct rematch as my son wanted," said Jose Santa Cruz to ESPN Deportes. "My son has returned to the gym. He said it could be in Las Vegas or Los Angeles, let's hope so."

"Leo has not signed anything, but they have already said yes to doing the fight - which will be a direct rematch. We are just missing date and venue, but it would be the end of the year and in one of those two locations. Truthfully it's very important for me that the fight is going to be in Los Angeles or Las Vegas."