Frampton still a hero as Belfast bout beckons

Northern Irish sporting superstar Carl Frampton may have lost his rematch with Leo Santa Cruz but he has cemented his place in the hearts of boxing fans all over the world.
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody (second left), DJ

Pete Snodden (third left) and radio and TV presenter Colin Murray (fourth left) with Frampton fans at ringsideSnow Patrol's Gary Lightbody (second left), DJ

Pete Snodden (third left) and radio and TV presenter Colin Murray (fourth left) with Frampton fans at ringside
Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody (second left), DJ Pete Snodden (third left) and radio and TV presenter Colin Murray (fourth left) with Frampton fans at ringside

The Tiger’s Bay man won plaudits for the way he handled himself as he tasted defeat for the first time.

He couldn’t hide his disappointment but still found time to congratulate his opponent.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thoughts have now turned immediately to another rematch with the score now one victory each between the two diminutive warriors.

James Nesbitt (right) and Gary Lightbody pose for a selfie with a Frampton fan in the MGM GrandJames Nesbitt (right) and Gary Lightbody pose for a selfie with a Frampton fan in the MGM Grand
James Nesbitt (right) and Gary Lightbody pose for a selfie with a Frampton fan in the MGM Grand

His first taste of defeat in the early hours of Sunday morning will do nothing to deter the Green and White Army who had invaded Las Vegas ahead of the fight,

Barry McGuigan cut a tense figure throughout the fight, living out every punch thrown by his protegé Frampton.

Northern Ireland royalty could be seen ringside as celebrities such as Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody, Colin Murray of Match of the Day fame and perennial Frampton fanatic James Nesbitt took in the action.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Nesbitt had been subject to a light-hearted social media campaign before the bout, as people jokingly speculated about the Cold Feet star’s whereabouts, following his hilarious ‘tipsy’ interview in the aftermath of Frampton’s win over Scott Quigg for the WBA super-bantamweight title.

Barry McGuigan cuts a tense figure as he watches Frampton lose his rematch with Leo Santa CruzBarry McGuigan cuts a tense figure as he watches Frampton lose his rematch with Leo Santa Cruz
Barry McGuigan cuts a tense figure as he watches Frampton lose his rematch with Leo Santa Cruz

One wag tweeted: “Just heard Jimmy order a pastie bap with salt and red sauce from a burger joint on the strip.”

The congratulations for Frampton were a more sincere affair.

DUP leader Arlene Foster looked ahead to a possible rematch in Belfast to complete the trilogy of bouts between Frampton and Santa Cruz.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She tweeted: “You are a champion in our eyes and boxing legend. All still behind you. Hope to see you in the ring at home soon.”

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt also gave his congratulations to Frampton, tweeting: “Carl Frampton does NI proud in the boxing capital of the world, but loses by close margin.”