Carl Frampton thanks fans for support after Cyclone split
Carl Frampton [24(14)-1(0)] has paid homage to ‘The Jackal Army’ and thanked them for supporting him during and after his split with Cyclone and the McGuigans.
The Belfast featherweight has always had a special relationship with his supporters and is a darling of the Titanic City in particular.
However, it seems the former two-weight and unified World champion was worried that unique bond may have been affected by his move away from Cyclone Promotions.
The promotional outfit is run by another Irish boxing favourite, Barry McGuigan, and Frampton – who is now with Frank Warren – admits he was concerned with how parting with a fellow legend may have been received among those who had supported him from early on.
Throw in the fact the fighter, who was previously trained by Shane McGuigan, had a fight cancelled late notice and had suffered defeat to Leo Santa Cruz in the same year and Frampton was worried it may have lost him some support.
However, he returned to Belfast and the SSE Odyssey Arena last November to a rapturous reception. The venue sold out despite the lack of a big name in the opposite corner and Frampton himself hailed it as the best atmosphere he has fought in front of.
Speaking at the press conference to announce a massive April 21st fight night with Nonito Donaire [38(24)-4(1)] yesterday, the Tigers Bay favourite took time to thank one of the most boisterous followings in World boxing for their continued and passionate support.
“The fans are fantastic, they’re passionate, they get behind me,” described Frampton.
“I had a bit of a bad year and obviously I split up with my former team. Who knew how the fans were going to react to that – but they’ve been on my side and they’ve got my back.”
“The last night was the noisiest it’s ever been, against Horacio Garcia who, no disrespect to him, is not one of the biggest names in boxing – but Nonito Donaire is and I think the atmosphere is going to be better than it’s ever been,” he predicted.
