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Carl Frampton tells Bob Arum ‘It’s got to be Windsor’ – ‘The Jackal’ believes three weight world title attempt is Stadium worthy

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Carl Frampton [27(15)-2(0)] is trying to persuade Bob Arum that Windsor Park and not the SSE Arena is the ideal venue for his proposed three weight world title attempt.

It now looks certain that WBO super featherweight world champion Jamel Herring [21(10)-2(1)] will come to Belfast to defend his title against the three time former two weight world champion in May.

Indeed, Irish-boxing.com understands that Top Rank have booked the SSE Arena for a Saturday within the month of May and have plans to host the fight in a venue known in boxing circles as ‘The Jackal’s Den’.

It’s another massive night for Belfast, Irish boxing and the 32-year-old, but Frampton, who could make Irish boxing history if he beats the American, believes it could be even bigger.

The Belfast favourite and Irish GOAT candidate believes the fight is Windsor worthy and wants his history assault to play out at a venue he sold out when fighting the unheralded Luke Jackson in 2017.

“Arum is keen for the SSE arena, but i’m pushing for Windsor,” Frampton explained during his TKO podcast.

Top Rank don’t appear to questioning the massive draw’s pulling power, rather they are concerned about unpredictable Irish weather, something Frampton doesn’t believe will be an issue.

The Jamie Moore trained fighter first became world champion by beating Kiko Martinez out doors on a cold night in September and points out he rained during his fight with Jackson.

“Top Rank are concerned [about] the weather conditions if we do it in May. I have to get both these hands operated on and it gives me ample time to recover. The weather in May is normally ok, if it rains… it rained the last time and no one cared it probably added to the atmosphere more on the night and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”

Regardless of whether or not it happens indoors in front of 9,000 or outdoors in front of 25,000 plus, the fight does appear to be nailed on.

“Arum said it makes more sense to do it in Belfast and it does. Herring gets paid more than he has ever done so in his lifetime.

“As a champion he wants to travel and tour the World, i respect him and i don’t think there is a hidden agenda there. He is a family man and wants to do what is best for his career,” he adds before revealing his respect for the reigning champion.

“I’m a fan of Herring and i love his back story, served with the Marines, Olympian and had a few defeats and a lot of things that have went on in his life which could have broken many men but he is a world champion and credit to him.”

If Frampton does fight Herring at Windsor Park this Summer could be bookended by two massive Belfast stadium shows, as Michael Conlan looks set to fight again at the Feile.

It’s also very positive news that Belfast provides Herring with the best financial package. That seems to suggest the ticket selling capabilities within the city make it a real rival for Stateside non PPV cards. If that is the case bigger fights and bigger names may be tempted to Ireland.

dpg

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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