McGuigan: Frampton is world class
28 October 2009 – By Mark Doyle
Former world champion Barry McGuigan is in no doubt that Carl Frampton, has the talent to make it all the way to the top and fully expects his protg to challenge for a British title inside the next 18 months.
Frampton only turned professional earlier this year but he has already racked up two victories, a second-round stoppage of Sandor Szinavel in June and a commanding unanimous points win over Yannis Lakrout last month.
The 22-year-old super-bantamweights next outing will be on the undercard of Paul McCloskeys European light-welterweight title showdown with Souleymane Mbaye in Derry on November 6 and McGuigan believes that those at ringside will be impressed by what they see from Frampton.
“Hes a phenomenal puncher,” the Clones Cyclone enthused. “He might only be a super-bantamweight but he punches like a welterweight and hes fabulously exciting to watch and I expect him to be in contention for the British title within 18 months.
“Carls a world class super-bantamweight and every time I watch him spar thats confirmed to me.
“Hes something really special and he has everything thats needed to succeed in the pro game. Hes a really exciting talent and I think hell prove that at the highest level.”
McGuigan has certainly been buoyed by the way in which Frampton, a former amateur star, has adapted to life in the paid ranks.
“Theres a major transition to be made from the amateur to the pro game,” he pointed out. “Theyre very different codes but its a very exciting journey for Carl.
“His style was already more suited to the pros but there are subtle, little things hes had to work on and they will take time to perfect but he has a tremendous boxing brain and hes getting good quality sparring against top pros.
“Right now, at this stage of his career. its all about getting Carl regular fights and the best sparring available. Hes already spent time in a lot of different training camps.
“Before his last fight he sparred the Commonwealth featherweight champ John Simpson and Im planning on having him spar the likes of Rendall Munroe and Jason Booth shortly.”
The McCloskey-M’baye bill in Derry will be live on Sky Sports and tickets priced 30, 60 and 90 are available from Ticketmaster, all usual outlets and the boxers on the bill. Contact Ticketmaster 0844 8472455 (0818 719300 from ROI), Box Office 01277 359900, Julie 07745698372, Emma 07703723074, Francie 07803282224 or Eurospar 02877741245.
