Defeat and done – Frampton reveals he will hang them up if he loses

It’s win or bust for Carl Frampton [26(15)-2(0)].

‘The Jackal’ admits the next time he loses he will call it a day.

However, defeat isn’t on the agenda or even in his mindset as he fights for the first time in what has proved a frustrating 2019.

The 32-year-old takes on undefeated American prospect Tyler McCrearyb[16(7)-0-1] in Las Vegas on November 30.

Secure victory in his first fight since his IBF featherweight world title defeat to Josh Warrington in December of last year and the Belfast fighter could return straight into title action.

The fight is at a catchweight to leave the former two weight world champion with options at both feather and super feather – and whilst WBO super featherweight champ Jamel Herring is the name being shouted the loudest there are said to be a number of paths the Jamie Moore trained fighter can explore.

However, suffer defeat and it’s the end of the road.

“Next fight I lose I am done. I can say that, that’s me never fighting again,” Frampton told IFL TV.

It’s more a statement of fact from the Top Rank fighter than a reflection of his mindset.

One of Ireland’s greatest ever pros doesn’t foresee defeat upon his return and still harbours world title dreams.

“I am not even thinking about that I am thinking about winning this fight and going on to win a world title.

“It’s in between featherweight and super featherweight, so it gives me the option to go up or down depending on what comes next or whatever passages open up.”

While he is confident his hand will be raised in the Cosmopolitan at the end of next month, Frampton does admit he hasn’t been given an easy return.

He asked for a test and he believes his request was granted.

“He is a good fighter and I will have to be at my best, but I am determined to get back to winning ways,” he added.

“He is slickster, a slick American, the old shoulder up and one hand down. He is not a bad fighter and he may give me trouble for a while. All these guys when they are given the opportunity they turn up a gear and turn it up a notch because if he beats me he can put his name to forward to possibly fight for a world title.”

Frampton is still a relevant name and a good performance could see him linked to a host of names across two weights.

Former foe Josh Warrington is one, former WBO featherweight champ Oscar Valdez, who makes his super feather debut on the same November 30 card, is another easy fight to make, so is potential world champ Shakur Stevenson and Herring.

The fan favourite is aware of the options, but states he isn’t in a position to start calling out any names.

“I am not going to be disrespectful I am not a champion at the minute and I hope that one of the champions give me the opportunity. I think that I am still a big name in world boxing. I think me against any of the champions at feather or super feather is a massive fight, but I need to focus on this fight and I need to deal with him and deal with him in style.”

A return to world champion status is the goal for Frampton, but he admits a mouthwatering meeting with Oscar Valdez would appeal even if a strap wasn’t on the line.

“I think that’s probably why (Top Rank) are putting us on the same card because it would be a great fight. Even though neither of us have a title I think me and Valdez is still a big fight. Hopefully fights like that can be made, I’d prefer to fight for a world title, but if a big fight with Valdez was offered to me I’d jump at the chance. “