Court told Carl Frampton was one of the ‘Best-earning super bantamweights of all time’

Carl Frampton was paid more than any super bantamweight in history whilst under Cylcone Promotions banner claimed Blain McGuigan in the High Court heard today.

The case brought by Frampton, who is suing for withheld earnings of up to £6m, against former manager Barry McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions resumed today.

Former world champion Barry McGuigan’s son Blain, who was the official promoter during Frampton’s time with Cyclone, took to the stand on day 15 of proceedings.

Whilst giving evidence he criticized Frampton’s current management team, denied earning were concealed and told the court Frampton received purses beyond the norm for any fighter at his weight.

McGuigan’s son Blain defended their handling of the 33-year-old Belfast boxer during their nine-year relationship.

Counsel for the family, Liam McCollum QC, asked him to compare financial deals they secured for Mr Frampton’s big contests to what other promoters could have offered.

“They were far greater, Carl was probably one of the best-earning super bantamweights of all time,” the musician turned promoter said.

“Then, we go up to featherweight and he’s done exceptionally well up there as well. He’s earned a huge amount of money from his boxing career, and we’re proud of him.”

McGuigan, who said all the focus was on making Mr Frampton a star in his native city and guide him to a world title, also disputed claims made by Frampton that he was entitled to a 30% share of profits from Cyclone shows.

“The first I heard about that was when these proceedings began,” he said.

He also denied allegations the company concealed payments or kept sponsorship income hidden from the two weight world champion. “It didn’t happen,” he said.

The 37-year-old was asked about MTK, Frampton’s current management team’s reputation within the boxing world – and responded: “They (have) pretty dubious links, (there’s) certainly a fear of intimidation within the sport, for who might be behind them. My biggest concern is that they are getting more and more influence, and it’s going to get to a point where they have control of both boxers and the contest. There can be a potential lack of honesty in the contest, amongst other things.”

Previously the trial heard of sizeable expenses claimed for shows including one in Manchester where Frampton fought Quigg live on pay-per-view – expenses of £75,000 were listed for that particular show.

Those figures were said to include a bill for just over £20,000 from the Midlands Hotel in the city, and £15,000 for an after-fight party at a cocktail bar.

Addressing those outlays, McGuigan said some rooms were booked for the team and others for corporate and VIP packages put together by Cyclone.

“The reason we did that is because VIPs especially want to be part of the experience, being in the same hotel as the team is a big thing,” he said.

“It was a big night for Carl, and we wanted him to have a good after-party as well.”

“I don’t drink and I know that a lot of my family don’t drink,” he continued . “It would have been mainly his lot that would have been drinking that night.”

In a separate counter-suit, Barry McGuigan is claiming for breach of contract.

Both men deny the respective allegations against them.

The trial continues.