Jackal will face Warrington before superfight with fierce Mexican rival

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Since their last meeting at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last year, Frampton and Santa Cruz went their separate ways, with the Mexican defending his title against former Frampton victim Chris Avalos, before repeating a points win over rival Abner Mares in their rematch in June of this year.

Frampton, on the other hand, has since completely overhauled his training, promotional and management team and scored wins over Horacio Garcia, Nonito Donaire and Luke Jackson, claiming the interim WBO title in the process and is expected to challenge IBF champion Josh Warrington in Manchester before Christmas, with December 22 understood to be the date favoured by broadcaster BT Sport.

‘The Jackal’ has been consistent in calling for the third fight since his one and only career loss to Santa Cruz last year.

Initially, he had hoped to lure the 30-year-old to Belfast for a showdown last summer, but the fight didn’t materialise with the Mexican reluctant to travel across the Atlantic.

While Frampton would love their third meeting on home soil, he has all but admitted it will likely take place in the United States once again, with Las Vegas or Los Angeles more likely to host it, although he would relish the chance to return to New York where the ‘Fight Of The Year’ meeting between them took place.

Before such a match can be made, ‘The Jackal’ will be hoping to claim another title belt against Leeds’ Warrington before the end of the year and has already returned to training with an announcement expected soon.

Santa Cruz expects to have a routine defence in either Los Angeles or Las Vegas in November before turning his attention to old foe Frampton next, should all go to plan for both men.

“If I get the win (in November), I want to fight Carl Frampton,” he said.

“People want that fight, I want the fight and I want to make the third fight against Carl Frampton. He wants the third fight too.

“I’m pretty sure and positive it’s going to happen next year.

“I’ve already talked to my team and they said they can make it (for) next year, and I’m pretty confident they will.”

Meanwhile, Frampton’s promoter Frank Warren yesterday unveiled Caoimhin Agyarko Hynes as the latest addition to his stable.

The west Belfast middleweight returned to the ring last year following a savage knife attack in Belfast city centre. Battle: Carl Frampton (left) and Leo Santa Cruz slug it out for the WBA featherweight title in Las Vegas last year