I like and respect both. I've said for a while that Frampton is the real deal. But, Santa really shocked me vs Marez. Showed his skill level has a much higher ceiling than initially expected.
I think this comes down to Leo's volume and stamina being too much. Carl will look like he's schooling him at first, but will get engulfed in the wake over the stretch. I think Frampton sees the final bell, but stays in survival mode over the last few rounds.
Santa Cruz by KO in a fairly one sided fight. It will be one less champion for the UK to brag about with DeGale and Smith soon to follow him in defeat. It wouldn't bother me that the UK is doing so well except that some UK posters really rub it in. I am a fan of many of their champs including Frampton but I like Santa Cruz even more.
LSC is 2.5" taller and has longer reach. It's should be 50/50 if they're the same height and reach. But they're not. They have the same skill set so what else could you possibly based it from?
Would be surprised if Frampton wins.
The same skill set? Are you crazy? LSC throws a hundred punches a round, non-top, comes forward, cuts off the ring well, pressure fighter. Frampton has, I think, the superior jab: he throws it with more snap, more variety, and he's harder to time. He throws punches from different angles to that of LSC, and his footwork is superior, better lateral movement, can fight going forward and can fight exceptionally well off the backfoot, counterpunching etc...
The size difference is the main thing, I agree, height and reach, but other than that we're looking at a great clash of styles. Frampton's trainer will have done his homework and sure they have plan A, B and C, each of them containing some sort of remedy to the length disadvantage.
LSC is 2.5" taller and has longer reach. It's should be 50/50 if they're the same height and reach. But they're not. They have the same skill set so what else could you possibly based it from?
Would be surprised if Frampton wins.
I'm finding it hard to see how Frampton can make it inside LSC's long arms, but have a feeling that this is going to be a great match of styles, hopefully we're gonna get a good fight, whatever the result!