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Frank Warren promises Carl Frampton “more big nights” if The Jackal chooses to continue


Promoter Frank Warren claims he is ready to give Carl Frampton ‘big nights’ in 2019 if the Belfast featherweight decides to fight on.

Having failed to dethrone IBF champion Josh Warrington in Manchester last month, ‘The Jackal’ has hinted at retirement.

The former two-weight world champion revealed he would spend time with his family before making a decision on his future, but proved a fire still burns when he admitted rematches with the only two fighters to beat him, Warrington and Leo Santa Cruz, would tempt him back.

With unification talk from Warrington being backed up by the pair’s common, an immediate return looks unlikely – despite Warrens repeated talk of rematches and trilogies in the build up to the fight in Manchester.

However, the Queensbury boss has revealed he is willing to continue to work with the Irish great and believes there are still some massive fight nights out there for Frampton [26(15)-2(0)].

Looking ahead to 2019, the veteran promoter outlined how “Josh Warrington has got everything in front of him now he has proved himself to be the real deal and unifying titles is the obvious way forward for him.”

“He is someone on the up and up and there will be more big nights for Josh in 2019. Hopefully the same will be the case for Carl – a true gent I hold in the highest regard. But we will wait and see what he decides to do after spending time with his family.”

“Josh and Carl really put the seal on a sizzling year for the sport at the Manchester Arena. In front of their loyal hordes of supporters, who also made it such a memorable occasion.”

“That they were rewarded with such a captivating contest is a result of putting the best in against the best. And that is what we strive to do as often as we can,” added the Londoner.

In terms of Frampton’s next move, should he continue, Santa Cruz has seemingly cooled on the idea of a rubber match – but it is reported that Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions venture is open to the contest.

Warrington will be tied up with a mandatory versus Kid Galahad next which will temporarily halt his own unification plans – and this could open the door for Frampton to squeeze in and challenge WBO champion Oscar Valdez.

However, while the 31-year-old has previously spoken about how this would be a fan-friendly match-up, he did not mention the potential fight with Valdez as one of those that would prevent him from retiring.

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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