Undefeated Frampton steps up in competition

ter,” McCullough said. “As a journalist, I need to tell the truth. Like they say, sometimes the truth hurts.”

McCullough said he still supports Frampton (22-0, 14 knockouts) against Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOs). Frampton is a plus-190 underdog at VegasInsider.com.

Frampton is dedicating the fight to his manager, Barry McGuigan, a former WBA featherweight champion from Ireland. McGuigan lost his belt to heavy underdog Steve Cruz in 1986 at the outdoor arena at Caesars Palace. The fight was McGuigan’s second and last in the U.S.

“McGuigan was my hero,” McCullough said. “I was 15, and I remember being devastated my hero lost. There’s some history there for Carl. He’s going for the same belt as his manager.” SANTA CRUZ FIGHTING FOR FATHER

Santa Cruz almost passed on fighting Frampton after finding out his father and trainer, Jose, was diagnosed with cancer in April.

Jose Santa Cruz, 56, underwent chemotherapy and had spinal surgery. He is close to remission and healthy enough to attend the fight.

The featherweight champion considered canceling the fight if his father was unable to attend.

“I’m so happy to have my dad here,” Santa Cruz said. “We thought about not taking this fight when he got the (cancer) diagnosis. He’s always been there with me since the beginning of my career. Since I was very small. When the doctors told me that he would be in my corner, I was even more ready for this fight.” GARCIA RETURNS

Mikey Garcia is back Saturday after a long hiatus, with the former two-division champion facing his first opponent in 2½ years on the Santa Cruz-Frampton undercard. Garcia (34-0, 28 KOs) will fight Elio Rojas (24-2, 14 KOs) in a junior welterweight match.

The Oxnard, California, native had a falling out with Top Rank, the Las Vegas-based promotional company. Garcia sued Top Rank over a contract dispute, and the sides settled in April. Contact Gilbert Manzano at gmanzano@reviewjournal. com or 702-383-0492. Follow him on Twitter: @ gmanzano24