Josh Warrington is “crazy” for fighting Frampton in a voluntary defence claims McAuley

Josh Warrington is “crazy” for accepting a fight with Carl Frampton claims Larne’s former world champ Davy ‘Boy’ McAuley.

After upsetting Lee Selby to win the IBF featherweight title at Elland Road back in May, Warrington was within his rights to pick any of the IBF top 15 to make a world title defence against.

Instead he will put his title on the line against fellow Frank Warren-promoted fighter and former two-weight world champion Frampton.

The fight tops a BT Sport pay-per-view bill at the Manchester Arena on December 22nd and promoter Warren is keen for a rematch or even a trilogy of fights.

It’s a massive bout and one fans are delighted has been made but McAuley is more than surprised the Leeds man has taken it, indeed he seems shocked Warrington will risk his title against the Belfast fighter.

The former IBF flyweight world champ believes the featherweight red belt holder could have made good money in a fight he has a chance of winning and claims he will now lose his title in a bout he could have put on the long finger.

“He is crazy fighting Carl Frampton”, McAuley told the Belfast Newsletter, somewhat echoing similar comments he made ahead of Frampton’s rematch with Leo Santa Cruz last year.

“If I was Warrington I would be telling Frank Warren that this is a voluntary defence and what am I doing fighting Carl Frampton?”

“I would refuse point blank to fight him if I was Warrington. I don’t understand why he took the fight because he fills stadiums in England, he does not need Frampton.”

“He does not need to fight Frampton to make money and he is going to lose his belt,” added McAuley added before stressing Warrington isn’t on the same level as ‘The Jackal’.

“Warrington beat Selby on a split decision. Warrington is not a big puncher and the only way to beat Carl Frampton is to be able to hurt him and I don’t think he has the power to do that.”