Frampton predicts fight-week tension ahead of crossroads Donaire clash

It was a love in.

The official press conference last Wednesday to announce the massive Carl Frampton versus Nonito Donaire clash was dominated by a mutual respect between the pair.

The featherweights, who trade leather at the SSE Odyssey Arena on April 21st, both highlighted each other’s qualities, sang songs, and were complimentary in most regards.

Speaking after a top table which had nothing like the kind of arguments that even average family dinner table would host, Frampton suggested there was no need for any verbals.

However, the ‘The Jackal’ did predict things could get a bit more tetchy as the fight draws close.

While there might not be the history or dislike between camps as with the Quigg fight and Donaire doesn’t seem likely to enter fight week as brash as say Chris Avalos, the Belfast fighter suggests the fact it’s last chance saloon in terms of each other’s World title hopes means that tensions will inevitably creep in.

“You saw at the press conference he was respectful. I don’t think there is need for all the crap really and unless someone else starts it I am going to be respectful too,” said Frampton.

“The first time we meet each other was on the roof of the Europa and they had us doing a head to head, which was strange. I haven’t even met the guy and the first thing we are doing is staring into each other’s eyes, but we know the game. It’s all about promotion.”

“As it gets closer the tension will creep in. It’s potential the last chance either of us will ever fight for a World title.”

Frampton wasn’t the only person Donaire was respectful to while in Belfast last week he also went on a charm offensive with regard to ‘The Jackal Army’.

The experienced former pound-for-pound star not only thanked the people of Belfast for the welcome he had received whilst in the city, but re-thanked Frampton fans for their boos in advance.

‘The Filipino Flash’ claims he will be motivated rather than intimidated by the famous support.

However, the 31-year-old Belfast favourite claims even the most experienced fighters can be affected by the noise generated inside the Odyssey Arena come Frampton fight night.

“He has seen a lot before and he has been involved in some very big fights, but I can tell him right now he has never experienced an atmosphere like he will experience on April 21.”

The Jamie Moore-trained fighter felt his return to Belfast last November generated the best atmosphere he had witnessed in a venue that has affectionately become known as ‘The Jackel’s Den’.

Take into account the little known Horacio Garcia will be replaced by one Nonito Donaire in the away corner come April 21st and that noise level should be ramped up further.

The Ringstar fighter, a four-weight world champ, still remains a massive name in the sport and even Frampton had to go for a double take when the pair sat at opposite ends of a press conference table last week.

“When I started my pro career I was a fan of his. I turned pro in 2009 and he was a world champion in 2007,” noted the Tigers Bay man.

“It’s weird looking back now and your fighting in your debut at 5 o’clock in Liverpool to actually be fighting a name like Nonito Donaire 0 it’s a wee bit surreal. You would never have imagined it back then, but strange things happen in boxing. ”