Carl Frampton was given the right tactical advice in defeat by Leo Santa Cruz, says Shane McGuigan

By Richard Damerell

Spencer Oliver and Johnny Nelson both agreed that Leo Santa Cruz changed his tactics perfectly and frustrated Carl Frampton for much of their rematch

Trainer Shane McGuigan has responded to criticism about his tactical advice during Carl Frampton's points defeat by Leo Santa Cruz.

The Belfast man lost his rematch with Santa Cruz on a majority decision at the weekend in Las Vegas and Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson questioned the instructions that McGuigan was offering in the corner.

Nelson: Frampton a little flat

Carl Frampton will be frustrated with himself after losing to Leo Santa Cruz, says Johnny Nelson

But the 28-year-old insists he was telling Frampton to switch his tactics after Santa Cruz made a strong start.

McGuigan told The Belfast Telegraph: "I know that Johnny Nelson gave me some stick, but I know what I was saying in the corner, I know the advice I was giving and what I wanted Carl to do.

He became a bit too predictable, walking into hard shots and got caught far too square.
Shane McGuigan

"I told him to stop loading up in the inside, I wanted to see him use his speed more. He became a bit too predictable, walking into hard shots and got caught far too square.

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"I was telling him it in the corner, that he was looking for far too much power and he needed to let the hands go, but he seemed to just feel a bit off and he was trying to force it too much."

Following Frampton's first professional defeat, McGuigan admits his fighter slipped below his usual high standards, but is certain 'The Jackal' would win a third bout against Santa Cruz.

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Image: Santa Cruz has welcomed the prospect of a third fight against Frampton

"It's very disappointing," he said. "I thought the problem was that Carl's feet were not very fast, he was a little bit off. He lost the first round badly and after that I felt he was knocked completely off his game plan.

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Talking points from an eventful fight weekend in Las Vegas

"I didn't think he boxed anywhere near his best and I believe that if we get him in the trilogy that he can win the fight, no doubt about it.

"It wasn't Carl's best performance, if he had used more head movement then it would have been different. He's much better than what he showed and we didn't see what he had been doing in camp."

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