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Watch Carl Frampton's fight ahead of his visit

Boxing fans can watch Carl Frampton's world title fight at Bar Sport in Cannock ahead of the champion's visit to the venue.

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Reigning WBA 'super' featherweight boss Frampton is the next big attraction alongside Steve Collins in the Premier Suite on Thursday March 2,

writes Craig Birch.

But first the Northern Irishman has in-ring business to take care against former title holder Leo Santa Cruz, who has cashed in his rematch clause.

The two will go toe-to-toe at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the United States on Saturday night, after Frampton's majority points victory last July.

Sky Sports viewers in the UK will watch proceedings from the early hours of Sunday morning, due to the five-hour time difference between the two nations.

The program starts at 2am, with a live screening in Bar Sport's Premier Suite. Entry is £5.50, which includes a breakfast served at 3am. Tickets must be pre-booked.

Frampton inflicted a first pro defeat last time out on the powerful Mexican, who has racked up 32 wins from 33 bouts with 18 stoppages, plus one draw.

He was going up a division in a quest to make history, too, and did just that by becoming his country's first-ever two weight world champion.

In a potential Fight of the Year candidate, Frampton was out-punched but had the higher accuracy rate, landing 242 out of 668 thrown. Santa Cruz connected with 255 out of 1,002.

His cleaner work took him away from the losing side of all three judges, with one scoring it a 114-114 draw. The other two had it 117-111 and 116-112 for Frampton.

Win or lose the second time around, the 29-year-old from Belfast is already a history maker but Santa Cruz, who is smarting with revenge, is coming after his '0.'

Frampton has still yet to taste defeat after 23 pro contests, all victories with 13 coming inside-the-distance. He was made an MBE in the 2016 New Year Honours list.

He never lost the WBA or the IBF super bantam belts, either, relinquishing both when he decided to step up a weight.

Jonathan Guzman and Yukinori Oguni have since held the IBF honours, while mandatory challenger Guillermo Rigondeaux was awarded the WBA 'super' bauble.

After his fight night, Frampton is Cannock-bound where he will be joined by coach Shane McGuigan and fellow Irishman Collins.

Frampton and Dublin-born Collins, who won WBO titles at middleweight and super middleweight, will be interviewed by a third world champion.

Telford's Richie Woodhall, who once held the WBC strap at super middle, will pose the questions during the duo's question and answer session in his regular role as host.

Also returning to the venue will be Irish comedian Mike Cash, who raised laughs supporting Barry McGuigan in Cannock last November.

Funnyman Cash, also from Clones in Ireland, was once described by Bernard Manning as "one of the best comedians I have come across."

McGuigan Jr will bring tales with him of how the feud between David Haye and Tony Bellew is reaching breaking point.

He will be in Haye's corner for the fight, which takes place two days later. A press conference, which erupted into violence between the two last time, is scheduled for the Thursday morning.

Tickets are on sale for the Frampton-led event, starting from £50. The 'platinum' option includes a seat in the main function room and four-course meal.

A 'silver' pass is £85, with the same benefits plus a professional photograph with either Frampton, Collins or both. 'Gold,' at £175, allows entry to a meet and greet beforehand.

For more information and to book places for either event, get in touch with Bar Sport directly by calling 01543 572 092.

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