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How did Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton get his nickname?

Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton is somewhat different to most boxers when it comes to ring monikers.

Whereas many try for intimidating, aggressive nicknames, Frampton has gone for ‘The Jackal.’

While we aren’t nature experts here at Irish-Boxing, we can say with a degree of certainty that there are very few jackals roaming the streets of Belfast.

The small canine found in Africa and Asia is not renowned for its strength or its viciousness and the choice has led a lot of people to ask – how did Carl Frampton get his nickname?

Indeed the question is sure to be asked in pubs up and down the island when the legendary Michael Buffer introduces “Carl ‘The Jackaaaaaaaaaaaaal’ Frampton” in his trademark style.

To explain the origins of the name, we have to go back to Frampton’s school days in North Belfast. It may not be known but the current IBF super bantamweight champion was a handy footballer in his youth, playing left back. The position, his diminutive size, and with a name like Carl, it was inevitable that Frampton became known as Carlos in a homage to the free-kick thumping Brazilian.

Around the same time Ilich Ramírez Sánchez was undergoing trial in Paris for the 1975 murder of two French counter-intelligence agents and a government informant. The left wing Venezuelan is better known however by his codename, Carlos the Jackal.

Back in Belfast, young Carlos Frampton would begin being called The Jackal as a schoolyard joke. However, the name has stuck and it has been carried with him on his boxing journey.

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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