Carl Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs) is set to retire from boxing should he lose his world title fight with Jamel Herring (22-2, 10 KOs) this weekend.
The pair battle it out for Herring’s WBO Super Feather Weight strap in Dubai on Saturday and the Northern Irishman says this will be his last fight if he suffers defeat.
He told reporters, “I’ll retire if I lose this fight because I believe I can win a world title again and if I lose I don’t want to have to go around the houses to get into a world title position again, waiting for two or three years.”
Speaking at the press conference ahead of the fight at Caesar’s Palace, Bluewaters, he said as much as he respects his opponent, neither are at an age where they can afford to lose.
“I think who ever loses this fight should retire to be honest,” said Frampton. “I expect the best Jamel there’s ever been, if you look at his last performance he got a bit of criticism but so did I for my last fight so I think we both need to be better than last time. We’ll see what happens I’m expecting the best of him and I prepared for it.”
Frampton, who last held a world title in 2017, has the chance to make history by becoming the first Irishman to win world titles at three different weight classes, having already been world champion at feather weight and super bantamweight.
‘The Jackal’ has been in Dubai for longer than his opponent and expressed his happiness at the way his camp has gone. “I’m happy with how things have gone, people talk about my hand injury but it was very small and no real issue for me. I looked after it in sparring and the camp has been top notch other than that so no complaints. I’m where I need to be right now and ready for the fight.”
Champion Herring has been in Dubai for just two weeks but insists he’s fully prepared for the fight. “I’m not looking for any weaknesses, we prepared ourselves for the best Carl Frampton because we know what’s on the line for him. We don’t look for flaws we’re looking for the best and that’s how we approach all fighters.”
He added: “This is the biggest name on my resume. We’ve acclimatised and we’ve been training in according to the time difference so we’re in tune for the fight.”
This is the first time a world title fight has ever been held in Dubai.
#LEGACYDUBAI FIGHT NIGHT takes place from 9pm Saturday, April 3rd at The Rotunda at Caesars Palace, Bluewaters, Dubai