Frampton will go down as the greatest Irish fighter of all time says McGuigan

Carl Framtpon will go down as the greatest Irish fighter of all time according to fellow legend and mentor Barry McGuigan.

McGuigan, who 31 years earlier was in tears after he claimed the WBA featherweight title on an historic night in Loftus Road, was in a similar state on Saturday when his fighter claimed the same strap on a night that will be remembered with the same – or maybe even more – affection as the ‘Clones Cyclone’s’ win.

Frampton, Ireland’s only ever unified World champion, became just the second Irish fighter to win World titles in two weight divisions when he defeated Leo Santa Cruz in New York in what was his first major professional fight at featherweight.

The result already makes Frampton an Irish great, but McGuigan believes ‘The Jackal’ will eventually be remembered as the greatest this country has ever produced.

“I said a long time I thought he could be the greatest Irish fighter that there’s ever been,” a more controlled McGuigan said afterwards.

“Tonight was the greatest night of his life.”

“We knew it would be a fight that would make him stand out. We knew it would be tough.”

“Shane got the tactics with Carl spot on.”

“I genuinely believe that this kid will go on to be the greatest Irish fighter that there has ever been.”