Carl Frampton admits that big name Windsor opponent is unlikely

Carl Frampton [25(14)-1(0)] admits there has been an element of misfortune surrounding the timing of his dream Windsor Park fight night.

When ‘The Jackal’ was speaking to promoters after cutting ties with Cyclone and the McGuigan the promise of a fight at the Belfast football stadium was key to securing his signature.

The two-weight world champion should be popular enough to attract a massive crowd on his own and the ‘event’ element will help. Regardless, it was still hoped a world champion or name known to the wider public would man the opposite corner.

However, a world title fight is off the cards and a star name is proving hard to find.

Despite promising that it would be announced last week, Frampton’s promoter Frank Warren has yet to confirm an opponent for the August 18th date and it looks increasingly likely that the 31-year-old will face one of the WBO featherweight Top 15 in an interim title defence.

Frampton admits it’s not ideal and claims fortune hasn’t favoured him date wise but isn’t too perturbed ahead of the fight night in just over 10 weeks time.

The Belfast featherweight is adamant massive title fights wait just around the corner.

“I wanted one of the big names, a household name or a world champion – but no-one seems to be available,” Frampton told the BBC before listing all the unavailable big names.

“Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are ruled out because they are just about to fight.”

“Gary Russell Jnr is ruled out because he fights once a year and he hurt his hand in his last outing.”

“Lee Selby got beaten and Oscar Valdez is injured. Josh Warrington – who beat Selby for the IBF belt – does not want to fight and that is understandable because he wants to have some time off and relax.”

The Tiger’s Bay boxer has taken the issue in his stride and stated that “it doesn’t really matter. They will come and these World title fights will come.”

“I would love it to be a World title fight but, if it isn’t, it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy to fight at Windsor and put on a good show.”

“It maybe is bad timing but we will just get on with it.”

READ: Irish-Boxing.com’s run-through of potential Windsor Park opponents