Thursday 22 September 2016 10:36, UK
Leo Santa Cruz is back in the gym because a rematch with Carl Frampton is close, according to the Mexican's father.
Northern Ireland's Frampton (23-0-KO14) relieved Santa Cruz (32-1-1-KO18) of the WBA Super world featherweight title with a majority decision back in July and a rematch clause was subsequently activated.
The deposed champion's father, Jose Santa Cruz, told ESPN Deportes: "Well it seems that the plans are going well and [Frampton] will provide a direct rematch as my son wanted.
"My son has returned to the gym. He said it could be in Las Vegas or Los Angeles. Let's hope so.
"Leo has not signed anything but they have already said yes to doing the fight, which will be a direct rematch. We are just missing the date and venue but it would be the end of the year in one of those two locations.
"Truthfully, it's very important to me that the fight is going to be in either Las Vegas or Los Angeles."
Santa Cruz, who suffered the first defeat of his career to 'The Jackal', is already a three-weight world champion.
Frampton, who was previously IBF and WBA world super-bantamweight king, is also being chased by IBF world featherweight king Lee Selby and previous opponent Scott Quigg.
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