Carl Frampton: I wasn’t 100% at super bantamweight

Carl Frampton has revealed that in his most recent fights at super bantamweight he was only at “seventy or eighty percent” due to the strenuous weight cut.

Speaking to global media last night on a conference call ahead of his showdown with Leo Santa Cruz in New York on July 30th, Frampton explained the reasoning behind his move 4lbs north.

‘The Jackal’ outlined how “the plan was to move up and I spoke with my team. We agreed that I’d only move up for a big fight, for someone like Santa Cruz.”

“I wanted to move up for a big name and we got one. I probably would’ve stayed but it was hurting me to stay at 122 and you were only seeing maybe seventy to eight percent of what I can do.”

Detailing the improvements he is feeling at featherweight, Frampton continued by saying “I’m 29 years old now and I feel much stronger at 126.”

“I’m eating and training well. I’m full of energy. I won’t go back to 122.”

“At 122, the weight was taking away from my power. I was over 130 in the gym but by fight night, I could feel the difference.”

The Tiger’s Bay puncher believes that this difference in power could be crucial come fight night at the Barclays Centre. predicting that “it’s not going to be easy but I think I can punch very hard.”

“He’s never been hit by anyone like me.”

“When he gets hit hard by a guy like me, he may think twice about coming forward.”

Indeed Frampton believes that his increased strength will help him deal with his height disadvantage to El Terremoto. The Belfast man argued that “most of my opponents have been taller than me. My sparring partners are always taller than me.”

“Leo started at bantamweight. I finished my amateur career at featherweight.”

“I’ll be stronger and punching harder. I’ll be able to push him back if I want to do that.”