Tyler McCreary Will Provide Tough Challenge for Carl Frampton
Belfast fighter Carl Frampton will take on the undefeated American Tyler McCreary next month.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 15, 2019
More: https://t.co/HrAsnYR98Y pic.twitter.com/BkH87rZOxq
Carl Frampton will be the clear favourite to win when he squares up to Tyler McCreary in Las Vegas on November 30/December 1. But will the Northern Irishman win as comfortably as many are predicting? Or will the relatively unknown 26-year-old American upset the odds and force his way into the limelight?
Unbeaten opponent poses a genuine threat
One thing is for sure, Frampton cannot afford to underestimate an opponent with a 16-0-1 record, even if his wins have come against lower-tier opposition. The Ohio-born fighter has his eyes on the big time and sees the upcoming fight as his ticket to the top. His dynamic style, accurate jab and quick hands have helped him remain unbeaten and given him a shot at his first real high profile opponent.
The Jackal back in contention
Frampton needs a convincing win as he looks to get his own career back on track and force his way back into world title contention. The former world champion in two weight classes has been out of action since breaking his hand in August and will be aware of the danger his opponent will present at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Vegas. The Jackal will start as massive favourite in the latest boxing odds with early prices of between 1/33 and 1/20 available, while his opponent is available at around 10/1. However, the Northern Irishman should not be lulled into a false sense of security by such disparity in the markets.
American will look to use his height advantage
His opponent is taller and will try to use his jab to get an advantage in the early rounds. The Belfast-born fighter may have to be patient and adapt his style to combat the height advantage. He will be hoping to perform better than on his last visit to Vegas when he lost his featherweight title rematch against Leo Santa Cruz who has since refused a third fight. Another defeat could bring Frampton’s career to an abrupt end and the fighter is nowhere near ready to hang up his gloves just yet.
Training going well despite injury
As a result, the Jackal will train for this fight as if it is a world title bout with everything at stake. Likewise, McCreary knows this is the fight of his life and a big performance can be expected as he pursues his dream of a world title challenge.
Any concerns about the condition of Frampton’s hand have been dismissed with the boxer himself describing it as “dead on,” although he has admitted to taking extra caution when hitting the pads.
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) February 5, 2017
Member of an elite club
Frampton is one of only three Irish boxers who have been two-weight world champions, the others being 90s legend Steve Collins and Katie Taylor who achieved the feat in 2019. Despite his legacy, the 32-year-old still believes he has unfinished business at the world elite level and will see November 30 as his judgement day.
