Frampton sparring Simpson

26 August 2010 – Cormac Campbell

Carl Frampton is leaving no stone unturned as he continues his preparation for September 18s Setanta televised clash with Yuriy Voronin.

Ahead of the Barry McGuigan promoted bill at the Ulster Hall, Belfasts hottest prospect has been in Scotland for a week of intensive sparring sessions with Commonwealth featherweight champion John Simpson. And super-bantamweight Frampton believes that working with the heavier Scotsman is making him a more complete fighter.

He is a real throwback, Frampton said.

He is relentless so he is pushing me for every minute in there. He is forcing me to defend to the body better but when he has caught me he hasnt stunned me.

Perhaps the biggest question Frampton must answer on September 18 is the quality of his chin. Voronin had former World super-bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne in serious trouble when they fought in 2005, but Frampton believes he will be able to shake off the Ukrainians best shots.

Ive always known I have a good chin and Ive been in with Choi Tseveenpurev one of the biggest punchers on the scene and he didnt stun or stagger me.

Yuriy hurt Bernard when they fought. We all know how good Bernard was and what he achieved, but maybe his chin was his weak spot. Obviously Im not going to leave my chin hanging out to be hit, but I believe I can take his best shots and fire straight back.

By topping a bill in just his seventh pro outing, Frampton has raised eyebrows and the level of pressure on his young shoulders.

There will be doubters. After all, what entitles me to top a bill at the Ulster Hall so early in my career? I know I have to put on a show or people wont come back. But I believe I have the ability. I know I have a good chin and I also have a good engine so I think I will put on a good show against Voronin.

Frampton also believes the quality of the Ulster Hall undercard which features Jamie Conlan, Stephen Haughian, Ryan Greene, Chris Keane and Troy James explains why the bill is nearly sold out three weeks away from fight night.

There are some great fights on there. Nobody is going to have an easy night and that is the way it should be thats how to keep the fans coming back for more.

As part of the build up to the bill, promoter Barry McGuigan will appear on Setanta Irelands iTalk Sport show with Eoin McDevitt on Friday, August 27 at 10pm.

A limited number of ticket are still available, priced 55, 45, 35 and 30 from the Box Office on 028 90334455. For more information log on to www.ulsterhall.co.uk.