Legendary Irish Jockey AP McCoy is backing Carl Frampton to be first past the post in the Manchester Arena on Saturday night.

McCoy has followed ‘The Jackal’s’ career since being introduced to the now IBF super bantamweight World champion by Irish fight legend Barry McGuigan and, having watched the Belfast puncher up close, he is confident he will defeat rival Scott Quigg on the massive Sky PPV event.

The winner of 4,358 races, who was Champion Jockey a record 20 times over his career, believes the undefeated 29 year old will claim victory number 22 after an exciting bout to become a two belt World champion.

“I’m a sports fan and I am a boxing fan and at the end of the day it takes two to make a great fight and they are both world champions – and that’s what makes it so special,” he told Sky Sports News.

“There’s two big reputations on the line but I’m with my man here.

“I am sure they will show respect to each other early on but from what I’ve seen, Carl is a very intelligent fighter and he’s a big puncher – and I am not just saying that because he’s stood next to me wearing his gloves!”

“But I do think it will be a great spectacle and it’s as exciting a fight as we’ve seen for a long time.”