Friday 13 October 2017 18:05, UK
Carl Frampton still hopes Leo Santa Cruz can be lured to Belfast, but would be willing to return to America for a third fight with the Californian.
'The Jackal' will be keeping a close eye on Santa Cruz as he defends the WBA 'super' featherweight title against Chris Avalos in the early hours of Sunday morning, live on Sky Sports.
Frampton remains eager to avenge his points defeat to Santa Cruz in January, with Northern Ireland his preferred location for a deciding bout, but he would take another US trip to make the fight happen.
"I think there is more chance than ever of it happening in Belfast," Frampton told Sky Sports.
"But again, if I have to travel then I'm up for that. I think with the new set-up I have at the minute, there's more chance than there was say six months ago that it will happen this side of the water.
I love fighting at home, I do love fighting in Belfast, but I also have no objection to fighting in Las Vegas or New York again.
"I loved it in America. That's where everyone wants to be fighting. I love fighting at home, I do love fighting in Belfast, but I also have no objection to fighting in Las Vegas or New York again. I loved it both times."
Santa Cruz's immediate plan is to set up a second fight with Abner Mares, provided that both men come through their fights on the same bill in Carson.
The three-weight world champion defeated Mares by majority decision in 2015 via two wide scorelines, with the third judge scoring it a draw, and Frampton believes Santa Cruz has opted for an 'easier' option than himself.
"He admitted in an interview that I've seen that Mares is an easier fight, so sometimes he says things that he probably shouldn't," said Frampton. "That's probably the reason why.
"He's had two very difficult fights with me. He beat me, I beat him. Both close fights, both good fights, both pretty intense fights, and I think that he probably feels that it's an easier fight against Abner Mares."
Watch five world-title fights, including Leo Santa Cruz, Jermell Charlo and Abner Mares, live from America, from 12.30am, Sunday morning, on Sky Sports Main Event.
