Carl Frampton needs impressive win v Garcia to set up big 2018
Carl Frampton has stressed that he has to win in style on his ‘second coming’ against tough Mexican Horacio Garcia at the SSE Odyssey Arena tonight in Belfast.
‘The Jackal’ tops one of Irish boxing’s biggest ever fight bills with ‘Frampton Reborn’ set to grace the BT Sport and BoxNation screens.
While Garcia may not be as big a name as recent Frampton foes, the ten-rounder tonight represents a significant fight for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, the two-weight world champion makes his ring comeback after suffering his first defeat against rival Leo Santa Cruz back in January.
The bout also marks the 30 year old’s first outing since linking up with promoter Frank Warren, advisors MTK Global, and trainer Jamie Moore as he looks towards another world title shot next year.
“I need to win impressively to tee up a big 2018,” said Frampton. “I’ve made a few changes with my team and this is the start of a new beginning for me. This has unfortunately been the worst year of my pro career after the loss and then everything that’s happened since then.”
“I have a new promoter in Frank and the BT TV deal is huge, so I want to make a good impression in my first fight with them. I’ve also linked up with MTK as well and we have big plans for next year, so I have to get the win this weekend and I hope to win in style,” added the Tigers Bay boxer.
In Garcia he faces a big underdog, but one who comes to the ring confident, with promoters Golden Boy eyeing a scalp.
The Guadalajaran will also have close friend and boxing superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Álvarez at ringside to cheer him on.
Frampton, who previouslu employed Garcia as a sparring partner for the tail end of his Chris Avalos fight camp in 2015, is not underestimating the threat pose by ‘Violento.’
“He’s a good fighter, a stereotypical Mexican fighter that comes forward, punches hard, takes a shot and he’s really brave,” said the Ulsterman.
“I need to be switched on but I believe I’m the best featherweight in the world and if I’m performing I can beat any of these guys so I should be dealing with guys like Horacio Garcia.”
