Frampton Could Move Up For Title Shot
Carl Frampton could step up a weight division in his pursuit of another world title, with US promoter Bob Arum believing it’ll come quicker if he decides to do so.
Frampton takes on Emmanuel Dominguez this Saturday and he’ll be looking to bounce back following his defeat to Josh Warrington back in December last year.
The Jackal has had his eyes set on a fight with Oscar Valdez before he vacated his title and moved up a division, with Shakur Stevenson taking on Joet Gonzalez set to go for the title. Arum believes should Frampton win he should look to do the same.
Frampton will return to the USA for the first time since losing the WBA Featherweight title against Leo Santa Cruz in Las Vegas.
He’ll now return to a state which also loves a gamble, with Philadelphia the next port of call. The state of Pennsylvania has recently legalised online gambling as it looks to develop its leisure offering, with online casino bonus offers and games making it a desirable state to visit.
Plenty of Irish fans will be benefiting this weekend, but the gamble could be Frampton’s should he step up in weight following Saturday’s fight.
Arum said of the potential move up, “We can make a fight for Carl at featherweight.
“(But) I don’t think at this stage that Frampton does well with Shakur. Shakur is an amazing talent who will probably end up to be a welterweight.”
He’s never fought at 130lb before but Arum believes a deal against WBO champions Jamal Herring could be an option as well as WBA title holder Miguel Berchelt.
Both are in Arum’s Top Rank Promotions stable so wouldn’t be difficult to negotiate. Herring would perhaps be more suited to the Belfast fighter and it would be another big fight in the USA in which would likely earn him more fights at that weight.
He also could well go on to fight Valdez at 130lb. That is an option and it would be a big fight in the US given that the Mexican has built a reputation in the country.
He beat Scott Quigg in California last year and retained his title against Jason Sanchez just a few months ago in Reno. For Frampton, Vegas could be calling, although it wouldn’t be for a title and that is what Frampton is desperately seeking.
Of course, defeat against Dominguez on Saturday would be a huge step backwards. Frampton is a massive favourite at 1/100 with bookies and it would be a huge shock if he didn’t finish the fight early and lay to rest the ghosts of the Warrington fight.
It’s about rebuilding for the Jackal now. Win Saturday and it seems like a new weight division and the chance to try and break America is beckoning for the 32-year-old.
