Frampton in action

10 February 2010 – By Cormac Campbell

Carl Frampton continues his professional apprenticeship on Friday night with a clash against unbeaten Frenchman Yoan Boyeaux in Londons York Hall.

The bout takes place on the undercard of Lenny Daws British light-welterweight title clash with Jason Cook a card that is being televised live by Sky Sports.

And Frampton, who in January was named Irish boxings prospect of the year, is hoping a good performance will earn him some air time on Sky Sports.

Hopefully there will be an opportunity for my fight to get shown on tv, he told irish-boxing.com.

The Sky commentators were impressed with me the last time the fight wasnt on tv but Ive seen the video and Johnny Nelson said he thought I boxed very well. So hopefully they can find space for me on Friday.

Since turning professional in 2009 Frampton has managed to generate considerable interest among boxing fans. And although he acknowledges much of this has been as a result of his association with manager Barry McGuigan, he feels he has the ability and commitment to back it up in the ring.

There was a press conference before Paul McCloskeys European title fight in Magherafelt in November and I was invited to the top table with Martin Lindsay, John Breen and Paul, he said.

That was great and it was wonderful to be given that opportunity so early on.

I feel very privileged. A lot of it has been to do with my connection with Barry, but I believe I have the ability to back it up and I think I can be a world champion.

The next stage of this journey begins on Friday and Frampton is confident that after just three fights, he is ready to step up in class.

The guy Im fighting is 2-0 so Im already starting to step up in class, he enthused.

I think I have adjusted well to the pro game. I wouldnt say I messed about as an amateur but my fitness is much better now. Gerry Storey has me running up Cave Hill and Im doing plenty of sparring as well so I am sharper and fitter.

The next logical step would be an appearance in his home city something he hopes will become a regular occurrence in the not too distant future.

I hope to be boxing in Belfast as much as I can, he said.

Maybe McCloskeys first defence, which I think will be in the Kings Hall? It would be great to get a slot on the undercard.