Carl Frampton happy to be underdog against Leo Santa Cruz

Carl Frampton has acknowledged that he will have to be at his best to dethrone WBA featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz.

The Northern Irishman is making the step up from super-bantamweight to take on the undefeated Mexican in New York, and Frampton has suggested that he is relishing the chance to be the underdog for the first time in his career.

The 29-year-old told reporters: "Everyone is expecting him to win. I'm going to come in there and upset him.

"I'm here to put on a great performance and bring the belt back home. I'm going to look to put on a world-class performance. It will take my best to get this victory."

Frampton has won all 22 of his fights at 122lbs while Santa Cruz is undefeated in 33 outings.