Hope remains that Carl Frampton v Luke Jackson will be for a World Title

There remains a chance Carl Frampton could challenge for a world title at Windsor Park according to his August 18th opponent Luke Jackson.

The Australian was officially announced as ‘The Jackal’s’ next opponent at a press conference on Monday and claimed he was going to change his life with victory over the Belfast favourite.

At present the pair are scheduled to fight for Frampton’s WBO ‘interim’ featherweight bauble but Jackson believes there is a chance the scrap might be upgraded to a world title fight.

With Oscar Valdez, the reigning champion out injured until the end of this year if not 2019, promoter Frank Warren had pushed the WBO to upgrade Frampton from essentially the mandatory challenger to the full champion – but the governing body seemed to turn down the request.

Talk continues to circulate that the Mexican is set to move up in weight – although both the fighter himself and his management and promotion have claimed they intend to defend the 126lbs belt on their return.

However, Jackson claims the stadium card could have two world title fights on it with Paddy Barnes already confirmed as challenger for Cristofer Rosales for the WBC flyweight title.  

“I heard rumours he is going to be stripped of the title so this could be for full title, that’s what I heard. I don’t know how true it is,” Jackson told IFL TV.

Frampton also revealed the fight still could be upgraded.

“There is a chance. I was talking to Frank [Warren] and there is still a chance.”

If the fight is upgraded, it would be considered a world title defence for Frampton who would be crowned champion outside of the ring by board decision. That said, the Tiger’s Bay 31-year-old has stated that he would consider any ‘defence’ following a belt upgrade as a vacant title fight as he wants to win the title in the ring.

The reaction to the fact Jackson will man the away corner come August 18th has been mixed at best, but the undefeated world ranked fighter is doing his level best to convince the doubters.

The 2012 Olympian, who is ranked #5 with the WBO, certainly feels overlooked, but warns he is comes with no pressure and is adamant he will change his life with a Windsor win.

“I understand Carl wanted a big name. He wanted Lee Selby – I heard the fight was already signed if he had [beat Josh Warrington]. When he lost, he wanted Valdez, Valdez’s jaw is broke, Santa Cruz just fought.”

“If you look down the rankings there’s not many left and I was ready and willing to come here to come here and fight. I am going to take my opportunity.”

“People think I just arrived here. I have been working my ass off for 16 years. In Australia it’s harder to build your name than it is in the UK or America and I am proud of myself for getting here.”

“They are all overlooking me and I pretty sure Carl is overlooking me as well. I have nothing to lose. I am coming to fight and everyone has written me off, but that spurs me on. All the pressure is Carl. he is suppose to be here he is supposed to win I have nothing to lose.  This is a massive opportunity for me my life changes overnight.”

Watch Luke Jackson’s interview with IFL TV in full below: