Carl Frampton vs. Léo Santa Cruz II was a professional boxing match contested on January 28, 2017, for the WBA featherweight championship.

[3] Speaking at a press conference at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, Santa Cruz said his preparations for the first fight were affected by his father's bone cancer and with it now in remission, the former champion expected to improve in the rematch saying "He was with me for the three weeks only before the bout.

In response Frampton said "No doubt, Leo went through a difficult time with his father's illness as anybody would in that situation, but he threw over a thousand punches in the fight.

"[4][5] It was hoped that a win for Frampton would set up an all british unification bout in the summer against IBF champion Lee Selby, who was set to defend his belt against Jonathan Victor Barros on the Frampton Santa Cruz undercard.

[11][12] From the opening bell the challenger controlled Zlatičanin with a sharp and accurate jab a while mixing in combinations.

The shorter champion tried to press forward in an attempt to get inside but found it difficult to get past jab.

Referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight immediately, giving Garcia a KO victory and making him a 3-division world champion.

[14] Zlatičanin for his part gave Garcia credit for his victory saying "I was just getting ready to pick it up a little bit and I got between the ropes and then he hit me with a good, hard punch.

However there were moments such as the final minute of the 4th round where the two men engaged in an fiery exchange with each of them giving and taking shots.

Frampton was able to back Santa Cruz up in the 7th, landing left hands to the head of the former champion.

[24] Days later the IBF ordered that the previously planned bout between Selby and Barros go to purse bids ending speculation of an immediate match up between the two.