FIREWORKS IN BELFAST: DONAIRE VS. FRAMPTON, THE BATTLE OF THE FIGHTERS OF THE YEAR
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Jan 2018
Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KO?s) fights Filipino four-division world champion Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KO?s) at SSE Arena in Belfast on April 21 and this magnificent showdown will be one of the greatest boxing bouts scheduled in Belfast in the recent fights. ?It?s a brilliant fight, a four-weight world champion against a two-weight world champion,? said Frampton as quoted by BoxingScene.
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Frampton says there's no other popular fighter coming to Belfast than the Filipino Flash. "I don?t think there?s been a bigger name than Nonito Donaire and he?s coming to fight a local guy in his hometown," added Frampton. ?But I think both of us are in the same situation ? a slip-up here and one of us might never fight for a world title again. There?s a lot on the line for both guys.?
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"The Jackal" Frampton is set to fight at the Windsor Park this summer, and he believes a win over Donaire would be good preparation for a world title bout against the winner of the scheduled IBF championship clash between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington. Lately, Frampton came from a 10-round decision win over Mexican Horacio Garcia last month after the Northern Irishman's loss of his WBA world featherweight crown to Leo Santa Cruz.
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Frampton is confident that victory over Donaire will propel his competency as a professional fighter because of the Filipino's track record as a champion. ?He?s been at the top of four divisions, but he was in the same weight division as me for quite a while and he?s someone I?ve always kept an eye on,? said the Belfast fighter. ?He?s someone I admire as well and I think he?s a great fighter, but I think this is the perfect fight to get me ready for a world title fight in the summer.?
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While Donaire has incurred three losses since being awarded 2012 Fighter of the Year by The Ring, ESPN and the Boxing Writers? Association of America, and Frampton likewise grabbed the same honors in 2016, the ?Filipino Flash? is eager to prove that he is still a force to reckon with at 126lbs. ?This is exactly the type of fight I live for, going in against one of the best in the world in the lion?s den of his hometown of Belfast,? said Donaire.
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?I can?t wait for the first bell! I know I?ll have to be the best I can be on fight night. Make no mistake, I?m already training like never before," added the 35-year-old Donaire. ?I plan to put on a spectacular show for my fans, his fans and boxing fans ingeneral. When I walk out of the ring victorious, it will have all been worth it."
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?Belfast fight fans are to be in for another treat on April 21st.," said promoter Frank Warren. "This is a guaranteed barn burner between two elite Featherweights. Both men have held multiple World Titles and know that a win will lead to another shot at world glory." Warren said they promised Frampton something big if he hurdles Donaire. ?If Carl comes through this fight then it?s the big one at Windsor Park in the summer next. That is what we promised him and that is what we will deliver if he gets the win in April.?
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Richard Schaefer, founder of Ringstar Sports added that this going to be an explosive fight between two stylist featherweights ?This is a fight between two of the best featherweights in the world, with multiple world titles between them. These are two fighters who are never boring in the ring, two fighters who come forward and love to engage. If styles make fights, well it doesn't get any better than this! On April 21st it will be 'Fireworks in Belfast? and boxing fans from around the world will be in for a treat."
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Top Rank CEO Bob Arum still has to reach an agreement on the terms with Terence Crawford and his team. Jeff Horn and his trainer Glenn Rushton had been planning the possibility of fighting Anthony Mundine, which could make him earn $2 million, much more than the amount originally offered for the fight with Crawford. But if he would duck Crawford as a mandatory challenger to his title, then he would have to vacate the WBO champion's seat.
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Mundine is scheduled to battle fellow Australian Tommy Browne next week in Sydney. ?We weren?t saying no but there?s too many ifs,? Rushton said. ?What if he loses to Tommy Browne? What if he gets injured? What if he doesn?t come up with the money? What if he doesn?t withstand the preparation? Then we?ve missed the opportunity with Crawford."
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Horn has not resumed training after his wife Jo delivered their first child, Isabelle, just before the New Year. ?He?s enjoying fatherhood, he loves it,? Rushton said.?I just want him to keep doing that for a little bit longer because we?ve got a big preparation in front of us." Horn's trainer said they are hoing to face another giant in Crawford. "We?ve always said we want the big fights and they don?t come any bigger than this one. Here we are now, standing in front of another goliath.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
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