CANCER-STRICKEN FATHER?S PRESENCE INSPIRES LEO SANTA CRUZ IN TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST CARL FRAMPTON
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 29 Jul 2016
The presence of his cancer-striken father in his corner when he makes the third defense of his World Boxing Association featherweight title will serve as an inspiration for the unbeaten Mexican.
Sky Sports in Britain reported Santa Cruz admits ?he was in tears at the prospect of his father being absent from his world title fight against Frampton when they go head-to-head for the world title at the Barclays Center in New York, on Saturday, Sunday Manila time.
Santa Cruz won the title following a majority-decision victory over Abner Mares and a fifth-round stoppage of Kiko Martinez.
Leo Santa Cruz told Sky Sports Michelle Joy Phelps ?he'll leave everything in the ring? when he takes on Frampton.
The 27-year-old had feared his father would not be in attendance as he is undergoing treatment for cancer, but is delighted he will be able to call upon his support.
Santa Cruz said "I am so happy my father is here with us. We thought he might not be able to make it, but thank God he is here with us. Not having my dad here in New York with me would have been hard. It actually brought tears to my eyes. But I am very happy that he is here and will be in my corner for my fight.?
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