Sunday dawns slow in Las Vegas. As Carl Frampton hauled himself out of bed in his private loft at the MGM Grand yesterday, the morning after the night before would have brought only light relief.

So strong was the narrative surrounding Conor McGregor’s recent occupation of New York that one could be forgiven for pegging him as a pioneer.

Perhaps the feline fittings were there to provide some home comfort for the man from Tiger’s Bay. True to much of the style of this city — the world capital of excess — it all looked a little much though.

To say Leo Santa Cruz was comfortable in Belfast yesterday may be misleading, but the Mexican former three-weight world champion was certainly taking comfort from personal events away from the hype that goes with prize-fighting.

Carl Frampton is happy to fight Leo Santa Cruz again in December but not in Los Angeles.

The best I’ve ever felt. Carl Frampton’s first five words after logging in as a featherweight for the first time in his professional life. Amazing what a difference four pounds can make.

Election season may be dominating every minute of the relentless news cycle on this side of the Atlantic but Carl Frampton has come stateside looking for a different kind of Big Mo.

New York may have been sweltering in the high summer heat, but boxer Carl Frampton strode the streets yesterday as the very definition of cool. Just 72 hours out from the biggest night of his life, the Jackal was calm, collected and ready to pounce.

Carl Frampton will face Leo Santa Cruz in New York this summer to fight for the Mexican’s WBA featherweight title.

Carl Frampton ended Northern Ireland’s long wait for another boxing world champion on a night to savour in Belfast last night as he pounded Kiko Martinez to swipe away the Spaniard’s title.

Boxing

Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton is primed for the biggest fight of his life at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast tonight.

Manchester City defender Micah Richards has thanked former manager Roberto Mancini for the first taste of success of his career.

Primera Division side Malaga have confirmed the signing of striker Roque Santa Cruz on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

Manchester City have confirmed they have finalised the loan deals for striker Roque Santa Cruz and midfielder Vladimir Weiss to spend the season in Spain.

Real Betis have confirmed the signing of Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz on a one-year loan from Manchester City.

TOTTENHAM manager Harry Redknapp thinks Manchester City’s expensively assembled squad is now better than that of all-conquering European champions Barcelona.

Chris Samba, Junior Hoilett and Jermaine Jones have all shaken off injury niggles to give Blackburn a boost ahead of their relegation showdown at Wolves.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson made three changes to his side for this afternoon’s Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park as the Red Devils went in search of the point that would secure them a record 19th top-flight title.

Carlton Cole will make his 100th Premier League start for West Ham today as they look to move off the bottom with a victory over fellow strugglers Blackburn at Upton Park.

Blackburn will be without key defender Ryan Nelsen for tomorrow’s trip to Everton after he was ruled out for the rest of the season following a knee operation on Monday.

Blackpool have been boosted by the return from suspension of captain and playmaker Charlie Adam for today’s crunch Premier League clash with fellow strugglers Blackburn.

Phil Jones could make a return to Blackburn’s squad for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Blackpool at Ewood Park after playing 45 minutes for the reserves on Wednesday night.

Former Barcelona B striker Ruben Rochina is named in the Blackburn squad for the first time when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Blackburn are hopeful captain Christopher Samba will have recovered from a virus in time for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash with Aston Villa.

Blackburn 0 Newcastle 0

Striker Roque Santa Cruz returns to Blackburn’s squad for the visit of Newcastle tomorrow.

Roque Santa Cruz, Phil Jones and Gael Givet are all missing for Blackburn when they travel to Wigan in the Barclays Premier League tomorrow.

Roque Santa Cruz will be out for a couple of weeks with a groin strain and miss Blackburn’s match against Tottenham tomorrow.

Ryan Nelsen will be missing for Blackburn’s FA Cup fourth round match at Aston Villa tomorrow with a knee problem.

FT: Blackburn 2 West Brom 0

New signing Jermaine Jones is in contention for Blackburn’s Barclays Premier League clash with West Brom on Sunday.

Roque Santa Cruz admits his time at Manchester City under Roberto Mancini has been a “frustrating period” after he rejoined Blackburn on loan until the end of the season.

Blackburn have signed their former striker Roque Santa Cruz on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed Roque Santa Cruz is almost certain to return to Blackburn within the coming days – and paved the way for Shaun Wright-Phillips’ departure as well.

Barclays Premier League strugglers West Ham made four changes for the visit of high-flying Manchester City.

Manchester City's Adam Johnson has been recalled to the Manchester City line-up for this afternoon’s visit of Birmingham.

Roberto Mancini believes Roque Santa Cruz deserves better than his current predicament at Manchester City and hopes the Paraguay international can find another club in January.