What a a fight that was. 1,200 punches thrown - and so even. It was action-packed, back and forth, and by the end - no one knew who had one. The first judge had the scores tied. It what will surely be a contender for fight of the year, Carl Frampton pulled out the majority decision to become Ireland's second ever two-weight champion. Absolutely incredible.
You can completely understand the fantastic reaction he gives to hearing the result:
The thousands of Irish fans in the packed Brooklyn crowd were thrilled too:
YES! #AndTheNew @RealCFrampton pic.twitter.com/PiANTdiey3
— BoxNation (@boxnationtv) July 31, 2016
Here's how those who watched on TV reacted to Frampton's historic moment:
Wow class by Frampton thought it would be hard for him to get a points dec, but he defiantly deserved that! Unbelievably for Irish sport!!
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) July 31, 2016
Frampton!!!!! Fuckin brilliant! #FramptonSantaCruz
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) July 31, 2016
Big up to @RealCFrampton on the big win tonight! Well done mate! 👊🏾💥 and the new... #2weightchampion #FramptonSantaCruz
— Lennox Lewis, CBE, CM (@LennoxLewis) July 31, 2016
congrts to @RealCFrampton 4 big win. congrats to @leosantacruz2 for also fighting gr8 fight.
— Al Bernstein (@AlBernstein) July 31, 2016
Remember @AndyLeeBoxing putting @RealCFrampton on the @SecondCaptains wall and being scoffed at. He is en route to becoming a legend
— Kevin Byrne (@KevByrneBox) July 31, 2016
Big congrats to a friend of mine @RealCFrampton what a win u deserved it mate! Delighted for u! #andthenew #2weightchampion
— John Joe Nevin (@johnJoeNevin) July 31, 2016
Frampton has two wins that put him in contention for Fighter of the Year, and both came on the road. Both felt like he was at home.
— Tom Craze (@TomCraze) July 31, 2016
Congrats to @RealCFrampton massive win 👌 great performance.
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) July 31, 2016
One of the greatest performances ever by a boxer from these islands. Least we forget; away, underdog, diff weight class, versus great champ.
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) July 31, 2016
Big shout out to @RealCFrampton winning what's being called fight of the year!
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) July 31, 2016
American or not, @RealCFrampton is something special. I tip my hat off to him. Great fight.@SHOsports @ShowtimeBoxing#SantaCruzFrampton
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) July 31, 2016
Will there be re-match?
Per Frampton manager @ClonesCyclone, there is no official rematch clause in their contract but he said they are happy to have 1 next summer.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) July 31, 2016
