Carl Frampton promises not to underestimate Windsor opponent Luke Jackson

Very few people know who Luke Jackson is and most are predicting a dominant win for Carl Frampton but ‘The Jackal’ is not overlooking his next opponent.

It was finally officially confirmed this afternoon that Belfast featherweight Frampton would face unbeaten Aussie Jackson [16(7)-0] at Windsor Park on Saturday August 18th.

There has been a mixed reaction to the choice of foe but Frampton is blocking this all out having been burnt before.

Back in 2015 Frampton took on the unheralded Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Jr in Texas in a defence of his IBF super bantamweight title. Most, including Frampton, overlooked Gonzalez who almost pulled off a massive shock, dropping the Irishman tice in the opening round.

That afternoon in El Paso, Frampton regrouped and won on points and vowed never to underestimate an unfashionable foe again – with Tasmanian Jackson falling into that category.

Frampton noted how “the last time people were saying a fighter didn’t pose a threat to me was against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr and I ended up on my backside twice in the first round. It was the first time I’d been down in my career.”

“Luke Jackson is an undefeated fighter and former Olympian with a very decent pedigree. He comes with a lot to gain if he beats me. He’s highly ranked with the WBO and I expect a tough fight. ”

“Jackson has had plenty of notice to get himself into the best shape of his life and he’s entitled to put on a great performance. It’s up to me to better his performance and that’s what I’m going to do – Windsor Park deserves it. I want to do a proper job.”

The chance to fight at Windsor Park stadium is a dream come true for Frampton who believes the venue itself will have a part to play on the night.

The Tiger’s Bay 31-year-old feels the atmosphere created by over 20,000 members of ‘The Jackal Army’ will have an effect on Jackson.

Frampton outlined how “the thing is – like most other featherweights, Jackson won’t have experienced an atmosphere like Belfast can create. I’m used to boxing at the SSE Arena in Belfast and it’s intense. It’s got to be hard for an opponent to deal with.”

“It’s hard enough in front of 9,000 at the SSE Arena so just think how tough it’s going to be to fight against a hometown boy at Windsor Park. It’s going to be so tough. It might make him fold or it might gee him up but one thing’s for sure – it won’t be easy for him.”

“I’m professional enough to avoid getting carried away with the atmosphere. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve dealt with big atmospheres and high expectations before. I’ll rise to the occasion of stepping out in the stadium and realising a dream.”