BY Jonny Stapleton

BARRY McGuigan believes the world will have a clear indication of how good Carl Frampton really is after he shares the ring with Raul Hirales Saturday week.

Frampton’s mentor admits taking on the undefeated Mexican with prospect killing previous is a  big risk and a significant test for the Commonwealth champion.

However, the former World champion claims a place in the IBF’s world top 10 ensures potential rewards outweigh any risk. Not to mention McGuigan is confident the Belfast star will pass his stiffest pro test to date and do so impressively.

The Irish boxing legend claims people will see why he previously billed the former Irish amateur champion as the greatest prospect to come out of Ireland  in over 35 years

Indeed, McGuigan is sure a higher level of opponent will ensure an increased level of  Frampton performance and stressed the Jackal will excel in the chief support bout to Lucian Bute and Carl Froch’s world wide broadcast bout.

Shane McGuigan Carl Frampton and Barry McGuigan

“This is a massive chance for him to show everyone, what I see in the gym everyday. When he wins this fight he will be in the top ten in the World with the IBF and therefore he will be able to fight for a World title. But this is a tough fight, so first things first. He has to do
a job on Hirales on May 26,” McGuigan told the Newsletter.

“Hirales is a tough Mexican who can box and fight. He is unbeaten and he has already beaten a couple of prospects in the fights he has had. This is a risk, but a calculated one and I am totally convinced Carl will beat him, but this is a tough fight. Carl in my mind can beat World class fighters and on May 26 we will get an idea of how good he
is.”

Belfast fight fans where hoping for a Frampton Homecoming this summer, but McGuigan revealed a fight on a card of world wide interest was too good to turn down.

“It is the biggest fight of the year so far, so the exposure Carl will get from fighting as the main support fight will be fantastic for him. The fight is being beamed live to seven countries around the world. Carl has to go out there and win and also impress. But he has to impress every time he fights.”