Frampton vs Reid

3 December 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Carl Frampton hopes claiming the Celtic title in the Ulster Hall tonight will lead to more prestigious championship clashes in 2011.

Frampton wants to end what has proven to be a whirlwind year by defeating Scot Gavin Reid to claim his first professional strap in just his eighth pro bout.

But the Ulster super-bantamweight has his sights set on further boxing glory and has made a British and European title his New Year’s resolution. The Jackal is eager to move on to bigger and better things and despite having only boxed 23 rounds and 69 minutes as a pro he believes he is ready to take the step up.

However, despite earmarking long-term targets, the former Irish amateur stand-out said he is only glancing ahead and stressed his gaze is firmly on the tough challenge Reid will bring tonight.

The Celtic title is only a relatively small title, but I’m going to use this as a stepping stone for bigger and better things,” he said.

“I’m not taking anything away from Gavin Reid, He’s a good lad and a good fighter. He is coming here to win this title there is no doubt about that. He really believes he can win it, I know he’s going to try hard.

Victory for Barry Mcguigans protege in tonights clash, however wont be enough for the 23-year-old puncher and he has already admitted that he would like to fight fellow prospect Scott Quigg as well as reigning European Champion Willie Casey.

In fact Frampton is confident he already has the tools to defuse Limericks Big Bang. The Gerry Storey coached fighter claims he has put Casey on his behind in sparring and would like the chance to do so again.

Willie Casey and a shot at the European title is another fight I would love and one I would take soon. It would be a massive fight for Ireland.

I did put Willie on his backside in sparing so I would be confident I could beat him. If I can do that with 10 ounce gloves and head gear imagine what it would be like in the ring. I really like Willie and admire him. He deserves credit for what he has done. He is European champion and to be honest he has balls of steel. He would fight anyone at the drop of hat and would never turn down a challenge. He is being linked with the Cuban WBA champion, but I dont think he needs to take that fight now. Lets hope if he beats Kiko Martinez he is open to fighting me.

Despite being part of an abundance of people heaping praise and setting high goals for Frampton, promoter Barry McGuigan is confident his fighter is as equipped to the deal with the hype as he is to fight.

Im completely convinced that he can become a world champion, McGuigan added.

When you have an abundance of talent theres obviously going to be expectations, thats part of being a top fighter but Carl deals with that very well. He knows what he can do, he knows the talent he has and thats not him being arrogant, its just a real belief. Carls not infallible and we know hes not the finished article but we expect big things of him, but were certainly not looking past Gavin Reid.