Carl Frampton revels in two-weight world title win and says: "Hopefully I'll never have to buy a pint again!"

Frampton claimed the WBA world featherweight title with a stunning points victory over Leo Santa Cruz in the early hours of Sunday morning. Carl Frampton hopes he will never have to buy a pint again after becoming Northern Ireland's first-ever two-weight world champion.

The 29-year-old defeated Leo Santa Cruz with a stunning points victory in Brooklyn, overcoming the odds to win the WBA world featherweight title.

Frampton was declared the convincing winner by two of the three judges, with the third calling it a draw.

For Santa Cruz, it was the first defeat of his professional career.

While world title gold was the overwhelming highlight of the night, Frampton had his eyes on the celebrations.

Speaking in the ring after the fight, he gleamed: “Hopefully it means I won’t have to buy a pint for the next 20 years.”

The fight is being billed as one of the best bouts of the year so far and Frampton insists that he still has immense amounts of respect for Santa Cruz.

Frampton told BBC Radio 5Live, he added: "I'd like to thank my travelling support but also the Irish Americans. It was a tough fight... I wanted to be in a fight that people would remember.

"Leo Santa Cruz is a true warrior. I respect him a hell of a lot - and a hell of a lot more after that fight.

"I had a good gameplan - Shane McGuigan (Barry's son) is an unbelievable coach. I fought with my heart rather than my head sometimes but I'm glad I got my hand raised.

"The game was to hit him hard and make him earn my respect. I hurt him in the second round I think."

Frampton now wants to defend the title in his home city and did not rule out a rematch, although he also has IBF champion Lee Selby in his sights.

He added: "I'd love to bring him (Santa Cruz) to Belfast and show them an amazing fighter but I have a good relationship with Lee Selby's team. I want to be the best and be involved in big fights."

Santa Cruz immediately set his sights on a rematch, saying: "It was a pretty tough fight but now I want a rematch. I don't care where."

The 27-year-old added: "He's a great champion and he's got a very difficult style. It's hard to forget your first loss but I will go back to the gym and get a rematch."