Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DOWN BUT NOT STOUT
Grateful Frampton buys Vegas fans a pint
CLASSY Carl Frampton bought his travelling fans a drink to help him drown his sorrows in Las Vegas.
Just hours after losing his world title to Leo Santa Cruz, the 29-year-old put a brave face on things to thank his supporters for making the trip to back him.
That face was bearing the scars of battle as Frampton chatted and posed for pictures with the Jackal’s Army.
And the North Belfast man dug deep into his pocket as a mark of his appreciation.
Just like after he won the WBA title in New York last summer, hundreds of people turned out to show he’s still a hero despite getting beaten by the stylish Mexican.
Frampton directly addressed the crowd at one point from a balcony in the pub and he pledged to win back the belt.
He said: “I’m gutted, I feel like he stole it on me. I came into the fight confident but no excuses, Leo deserved to win.
“I just want to say thanks to the fans – and sorry for not getting the win.
“I know it cost a lot of dough to get here. Sorry to disappoint. We’ll get him back, I promise.
“Hopefully the people who came out have enjoyed themselves and had a good time. Hopefully they can forget about the result and hopefully I can. In a few weeks’ time.”
Talks have already got under way about a third featherweight clash.
Frampton has made clear his desire for it to be in Belfast while Santa Cruz said: “True champions will go anywhere. I would have no problem going to Belfast.” Frampton added: “He said he’d come to Belfast and I hope he does but either way my next fight is going to be in Belfast – I’ve been away from home for too long.
Many of Carl’s fans those rounded off their Las Vegas visit by raising a drink to their hero in the Nine Fine Irishmen bar on the Strip.
Emma Sipson, from Banbridge, Co Down, managed to get a chat with the Tiger’s Bay fighter.
She told the Mirror: “He should be so proud of himself for how far he’s come. That means more than any belt ever could.
“No apologies were needed – he’s always our champ. He was disappointed but OK and said, ‘We’ll get him again’.
“We spoke about our kids and I even got a hug! That’s the reason we all love him. He is an absolute gent. Thanks for the memories and the opportunity of a wonderful trip, Carl. Bring on the next one.”
Jonny Mcallister, from Larne, added: “Carl is humble and thankful. He’s a gracious warrior who always remembers his loyal fans.”
Edward Niblock was in philosophical mood, saying: “The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never fell.”
Frampton wasn’t knocked off his feet throughout those 12 rounds in the early hours of Sunday. But he had to get up again psychologically.
He did that straight away amid the blinding lights of Las Vegas.
And he’s determined to win back the belt after that first defeat as a professional.
Carl is humble and thankful. He’s a gracious warrior JONNY MCALLISTER VEGAS YESTERDAY