Frampton eyes world title after win at Windsor
Carl Frampton produced a world-class win in a ninth-round stoppage of Luke Jackson at Windsor Park – and showed his intent to recapture world titles.
Following Saturday night’s victory, the Jackal declared that he wants a showdown with IBF champion Josh Warrington by the end of the year.
In the driving rain in south Belfast, Frampton put on a composed performance under the bright lights.
Having said this could be his final fight in Belfast, he showed his adoring public just why they fell in love with him in the first place.
Pace and power from the first bell saw the Jackal take total control against his Tasmanian opponent.
Frampton targeted the body early, ripping in a number of savage right hooks to Jackson’s ribs in the early rounds.
And those shots paid dividends as another shot to the body crumbled the Australian in the eighth round – Jackson screaming as he went down.
To his credit, he never gave up. Jackson crawled off the canvas to beat the referee’s count.
Frampton stalked his wounded foe in the ninth and a slick combination sent Jackson into a vulnerable state and his corner threw in the towel.
“This was unreal,” Frampton said.
“The atmosphere was special, the crowd was fantastic and they made my dream come true. It was unbelievable from start to finish.”
Framtpon added: “I know myself I still have it, but I have to prove it with performances like that.
“Warrington is a different fight all together, I know that. I want it and it’s an easy fight to make. It makes sense.”
Warrington himself was ringside for the occasion and said he was impressed by Frampton.
“He performed well,” he said.
“He looked nice and relaxed in there and I am looking to get the fight.
“I have got a lot of respect for him, but this is boxing and you want to fight the best.”
Promoter Frank Warren said the fight will “definitely” happen this year, likely in December and in either the Manchester Arena or London’s O2 Arena.
On the undercard of Saturday’s main event, Paddy Barnes’ bid to become Ireland’s quickest ever male champion ended with defeat to Nicaragua’s Cristofer Rosales.
Barnes edged an exciting opening three rounds with the WBC champion, mixing his styles between boxer and brawler.
But a stunning right hook to the body from Rosales ended the fight at the end of the fourth.
Barnes was left winded and unable to meet the 10 count from the referee.
After that, Tyson Fury set up a WBC heavyweight world title fight with Deontay Wilder after his victory in Belfast.
Fury’s comeback continued with a simple 100-90 victory against Germany’s Francesco Pianeta.
Wilder then squared off with Fury after the fight and both men declared their intentions to be named as the number one heavyweight in the world.
Highlights from further down the card saw Steven Ward beat Steve Collins Jr in an entertaining clash.
Ward remains undefeated, becoming the BUI Light-Heavyweight Champion