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Carl Frampton sees flaws in WBO champion Óscar Valdez


The increasing talk of a match-up with WBO featherweight champion Óscar Valdez is music to the ears of Carl Frampton [23(14)-1(0)].

‘The Jackal’ believes he can see flaws in the Mexican’s game, and would love to exploit them in what would be a fan-friendly fight.

Since Frampton became a major U.S. name, a Valdez fight seemed the unlikely for the Belfast man. Advised by Al Haymon, clashes with PBC stablemates Lee Selby, Gary Russell, Leo Santa Cruz, and Abner Mares all looked to make more sense.

Haymon has a well-documented frosty relationship with Top Rank boss Bob Arum – who promotes Valdez [23(19)-0].

While Frampton remains advised by Haymon in the wake of his move from the McGuigans and Cyclone to MTK and Frank Warren, a clash with the gym mate of Mick Conlan has built momentum over the past month.

Arum had proposed the bout both before and after the successful third title defence against Genesis Servania, while Valdez himself told Frampton “let’s do it.”

The 30-year-old Ulsterman is happy with the talk and admits that “it’s been mentioned more than ever recently.”

“I think our two styles would gel very well for a very, very exciting fight.”

Frampton would be confident against the double Olympian, and notes chinks in the Valdez armoury.

Analysing his potential opponent Frampton described how “Valdez is a great fighter, I love watching his fights. He’s a very exciting fighter, can definitely punch – but he’s there to be hit as well, he commits with ever single shot he throws, he tries to knock people out with every shot he throws.”

First up for Frampton however is a homecoming at the SSE Odyssey Arena in Belfast on Saturday November 18th.

Currently ranked #7 with the WBO, and with new promoter Warren having an extremely close relationship with the body, it is certainly feasible that his fight next month will be for some sort of rankings belt that could help build towards a Valdez title challenge.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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