Carl Frampton pays tribute following death of former opponent's father
Tributes have been pouring in from around the boxing world following the death of Jose Santa Cruz, with Carl Frampton among those to pay his respects.
The father and trainer of retired world champion Leo Santa Cruz, who Frampton fought twice during his career, passed away at the age of 65 this week after a battle with cancer. He oversaw his son win world titles at bantamweight, junior featherweight and featherweight.
Paying tribute, Frampton wrote online: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Jose Santa Cruz. My thoughts go out to Leo and the rest of his family. RIP."
The Belfast man defeated Leo Santa Cruz by majority decision in July 2016 to claim the WBA featherweight title in a fight of the year contender in Brooklyn before the Mexican beat Frampton in a rematch six months later in Las Vegas.
Jose Santa Cruz spoke about battling stage-three myeloma – bone cancer of the spine - ahead of the first fight between his son and Frampton.
He told the Los Angeles Times in July 2016: "Cancer's a tough disease, but we're going to face it straight on. I'm still on medication, but on the day of the fight, I'll be there."
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman also paid tribute, writing on X: "I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Don Jose Santa Cruz after a ferocious battle against cancer. He is now in a better place and will always be remembered as a great boxing man, a family champions loved by everyone. Our condolences and solidarity to Leo and siblings and his wife during this difficult times."
Premier Boxing Champions, Leo's one-time promoters, commented: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jose Santa Cruz, beloved father and trainer of former world champion Leo Santa Cruz. Born in 1958, Jose was the heart of Team Santa Cruz—an unwavering presence in his son's corner and a true fighter in his own right. Our thoughts are with the Santa Cruz family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jose."
The WBA posted: "The WBA mourns the passing of Jose Santa Cruz, father and trainer of our former champion Leo Santa Cruz. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."
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