Bomb Out Bunn and Bivol could be next Frampton tells McCrory
Padraig McCrory [14(8)-0] could blast his way to massive fights with the likes of Dmitry Bivol if he performs in Germany this weekend suggests Carl Frampton.
The popular Belfast fighter travels to Frankfurt and fights local favourite Leon Bunn [18(9)-0] for the vacant IBO light heavyweight world title live on TG4.
‘The Jackal’ notes the IBO isn’t one of the top four when it comes to world straps but argues it still has the power to change the Dee Walsh-trained fighter’s career.
In fact, upset the home town fighter in Frankfurt live on TG4 and Frampton claims, McCrory could move onto the radar of WBA king Bivol and unified WBC-WBO-IBF champ Artur Beterbiev.
“It isn’t far-fetched to suggest that a fight against the likes of a Bivol or one of the top names could emerge as those guys with the major titles could be looking for what they would view as an easy voluntary defence. Pody would be a huge underdog against any of the big boys but with his power, he always stands a chance,” Frampton said in his popular Sunday Life column.
The former two-weight world champion’s assumption isn’t unfounded when you consider the fights recent Irish IBO title winners Anthony Cacace and Dennis Hogan have been linked to since winning the title at super featherweight and light middleweight respectively.
“Anto Cacace and Dennis Hogan have put themselves in a position where one of those massive fights can now happen, so Padraig will be looking to do the same and who knows, maybe even have all three back defending their titles on a big night at home.”
Tá Dornálaíocht Beo ar ais @TG4TV
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2022
🏆 World Title fight live this weekend
📅 Dé Sathairn / Saturday
⏰ 19:45
🇮🇪 @padraigmc1988 v Leon Bunn 🇩🇪
🥊 Craobh an Domhain IBO
Freisin / Undercard:
🇮🇪 @Kieranmolloy8
🇮🇪 @KurtWalker7@ConlanBoxing | #IrishBoxingpic.twitter.com/YF4Tm9qieB
Before any big fights, working-class hero, McCrory has to defeat the typically German-styled Bunn away from home and at a bigger weight.
Irish fight legend, Frampton, who has heralded ‘The Hammer’ as one of the most improved Irish fighters in recent times, claims a trip to Germany isn’t as daunting now as previously and points out the big punching Belfast man has a frame that will allow him to be solid up the scales.
“Going away to Germany makes him up against it a little, but whilst going there in the 1990s and early ‘00s always came with a warning about trying to get a decision, it seems the UK has taken that mantle in recent years so maybe he is going over there at the right time.
“Still, Padraig is called ‘The Hammer’ for a reason and speaking to anyone who has sparred him always remark about how hard he can punch. When you carry that kind of power then you always have a great chance. Moving up to light-heavyweight will also be a challenge, but he was by no means a small super-middleweight so while he won’t be the biggest light-heavy out there, nor will he be the smallest either.
“Should he bring that ferocious power up to his new weight then it can be enough for him to win this and move on to even bigger opportunities.”
