Did Frampton Throw The Cruz Fight?

Even if the third fight does get made, I don't think the second fight was fixed. Before Frampton vs LSC II they were openly talking about a third, fourth or fifth fight, and even if the match score stood at 2-0 to CF after last weekend, the interest in a third fight taking place in Belfast would have been huge, so no need to throw the fight. The loss actually makes the third fight taking place in Ireland less likely, not more - and Frampton has openly stated he next wants to box in front of his homes fans. He would have much preferred to have taken a belt to the ring for that too. Now, unless LSC steps up and take up the challenge of taking on Frampton in his own back yard, Carl's home coming will be a non-title fight. And even if LSC is good to his word and grants a rematch, Frampton's share of the revenue will be less having lost his world title and LSC can demand a lion's share of revenue now he's in possession of the title.

The 'Frampton threw the 2nd fight' conspiracy theory - like many conspiracy theories - simply does not fit the facts...

 

Nice post man. I agree with you on the belief that the fight wasn't fixed. I never think along the lines of a conspiracy theory unless it looks like a guy truly took a dive (i.e. Malik Scott.)

Your line of thinking makes sense, it seems a bit illogical to assume the third fight should be in Belfast considering Frampton is the challenger now. I'd imagine if there was a trilogy that it would take place at the forum in L.A. which I could understand Frampton's reluctance for given he fought Leo twice already in the States.

Frampton should've made one stipulation in the rematch- he should've forced the fight to happen in Belfast rather than Vegas. As the champion, he held all the cards in the negotiation table.

But ever since Carl came to the States last year, he's trying to become a staple here and evolve into a global boxing star. You have to commend him for wanting to stay in the states to get the big fights and build his popularity.

 

Yeah I know you weren't calling this a fix, I was just using your comment as a hook for mine. I think his loss might be best explained by some of the things he said in the build up to the second fight, about thinking he could stop LSC. This is despite the fact he admitted he took the fight to LSC too much in the first bout and 'could have made it easier' by boxing more.

In the 2nd fight had he been more patient in the first 2-3 rounds (like he was against Quigg) I think LSC would have been forced to make the fight and then Carl could have countered effectively. But in trying to make his win spectacular - by trying to live up to the claims he made in the build-up about getting a stoppage - he walked right in LSC's game plan and failed to adjust.

 

Think also the whole father/cancer situation may have had a role to play.
When fighters are as evenly matched as these 2, a few % either way in preparation can make a big difference.

 

Yeah, good point. We as boxing fans tend to focus on the technical and physical aspects and overlook boxers are people and that the mind controls the body. The mental aspect of all high-level sport is often the slim factor which separates two highly skilled athletes...

 

I didn't know about Carl's comments about looking for a knockout- given his high boxing IQ, I'm quite surprised he'd come out with a comment like this. I don't remember him knocking out any top level fighter and to assume he could do that to someone like Leo (who has a very good chin,) is wishful thinking on his part.

I do remember Carl saying that the second fight would be easier and that Leo couldn't do anything to improvise or change the dynamic of their sequel. He did the one thing I guess Carl wasn't expecting, he decided to play the role of a counterpuncher. Very smart tactic on leo's part given how he normally fights which is usually incessant pressure and throwing around 100 punches per round.

It was a very good gameplan by Leo, no doubt, but he didn't change his style the entire fight. All Carl had to do was fall back and stop initiating the action. Dull the action down and force Leo to come out of his shell.

 

Frampton is best when he's a counter puncher, with Leo opting to counterpunch and having the faster hands and bigger reach it caught Frampton off guard coz he probs didn't prepare for that.

Give Leo his credit he did what very little thought he would do and adapted his style to give himself the advantage.

 

Lsc adjusted his game plan the jab keep carl off balance like how lsc was hitting carl to the body with left hooks. They should fight a third fight.

 

I dont think he did, unless hes got a fabulous acting career ahead of him - he looked and sounded genuinely mortified after the fight.

 

Oh Ive no doubt.
Funny, I didn't even mention Haymon.

The projection is strong in you.

 

I doubt he threw it, Cruz just boxed more and used his length.

This is a boxing forum.

 

No. I had LSC winning by two. Close fight. They are now 1-1. No shame in that. LSC now has wins over Frampton, Martinez, Mares, Malinga, Terrazas Mijares etc.. Which in turn is a great win for Frampton!! These men are now level pegging. This is a great trilogy in the making & has even captured the casual boxing public's imagination. Great for these two & great for boxing. It was essentially a reverse of the first. LSC became the boxer this time. Great ability to implement a game plan & adapt. Frampton needs to adjust now too. Neither mans stock has really dropped you dont have to be undefeated to be a great fighter. No negativity or hate here. A draw in the third would be my ideal outcome & very fitting. LSC now replaces Frampton as #10 p4p for me. Brilliant fighter.

 

Agreed with nearly everything you said but what this fight told me is Frampton will struggle against boxers who are taller. I would now be picking Selby against him if that fight happens, not to mention if it wasn't clear before it is now very clear why both these men ducked Rigo.

Nevertheless these guys are very even and probably every fight they have will be close. I think Frampton should try get Selby next and Santa Cruz maybe Mares or someone like that then if both men when you can have a unification rubber match.

 

Problem with Frampton is he has too much heart. He's a brilliant boxer so just stick to boxing..

Like many Euros they let their heart over ride their brains. Get drawn into wars! This is the difference between many euros & AA fghters. They don't get emotional, they just stick to boxing! Frampton is a brilliant boxer but has too much heart & wants to put on a show! Just box.. He's capable of it! I don't rate Selby as highly as Frampton. His bother is much better!

You can negate size & reach with speed & movement easily! He showed this to full effect in fight #1! It's not really about height so much as sticking to a game plan & using elusiveness (stick & move)..

Look at GRJ or Lomachenko! I don't think they would be greatly affected by a fighters height (yes ok everyone has limits, I'm not saying size doesn't matter otherwise weight divisions would be obsolete) but in the context of these smaller divisions i don't think height has a great bearing on things if you have speed & can box. Otherwise the divisions would be dominated by the taller fighters which historically they never really have been! He coped with LSC's height fine last time & this fight was close.. I just think its two styles & boxing brains who are playing chess with one an other & ultimately will always be fairly close as they are fairly evenly matched men. Height maybe A factor in a small way but its not a huge or deciding one IMO Frampton was relying too much on his power this time a little too much for me. His team should have had a plan B & shouldn't have been so arrogant as to think it would be the same LSC all over again. He'll need to do better next me & just stick to his boxing.