“This is my city” – The Boss Frampton predicts bad night in Belfast for Andres Gutierrez

Carl Frampton [23(14)-1(0)] knows that Andres Gutierrez is aiming to change his life this weekend – but ‘The Jackal’ has some bad news for the young Mexican.

‘Jaguarcito’ arrives into Belfast as a relatively unheralded fighter ahead of their WBC featherweight title eliminator at the SSE Odyssey Arena on Saturday and knows that a win against the consensus 2016 Fighter of the Year would transform his life.

However Frampton, who is returning to the ring following his WBA title rematch defeat to Leo Santa Cruz, has promised to rule the Titanic City on Saturday night.

That’s not to say Frampton believes Gutierrez [35(25)-1(0)-1] is an easy touch.

The #8-ranked fighter with the WBC has been fighting professionally on the tough Mexican scene since his mid teens and looks to be a hungry, ambitious, and potentially dangerous foe.

Frampton was keen to recognise the challenge posed by the 24 year old at today’s final press conference, refusing to entertain talk about any of the more recognisable names in the division.

“I think it’s a bit disrespectful,” Frampton reasoned. “We’re at a press conference with Andres Gutierrez, he’s the opponent I want to focus on and no-one else.”

“Andres Gutierrez is the man on my mind at the minute and after the fight we can look at other guys.”

“I respect Andres, he’s a top fighter and he’s had more knockout wins that I’ve had fights.”

“I seen a stat that he was 5-0 as a pro before his 16th birthday, they breed them tough in Mexico and he’s a hard man.”

Noting the enormity of the fight for the Queretaro boxer, Frampton outlined how “he’ll be up for it and if he beats me, it turns him into a huge name and he becomes a big name in boxing, it’s up to me to not allow that to happen.”

“This is my city. I respect him a lot, but this is my city. I’m the boss and I’m going to win.”

Photo Credit: Hugh Russell