Carl Frampton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carl Frampton MBE
Frampton at Stormont, 2013
Statistics
Nickname(s)	The Jackal Brick Fists
Rated at	Super-bantamweight Featherweight Super-featherweight Lightweight
Height	5 ft 5 in
Reach	62 in
Born	(1987-02-21) 21 February 1987 (age 38) Tigers Bay, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	31
Wins	28
Wins by KO	16
Losses	3
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing  Ireland EU Championships Silver Dublin 2007 Featherweight

Carl Frampton (born 21 February 1987) is a former professional boxer from Northern Ireland. He competed from 2009 to 2021. Carl became a world champion in two different weight classes. He held the IBF super bantamweight title from 2014 to 2016. He also held the WBA super bantamweight title in 2016. From 2016 to 2017, he was the WBA (Super) featherweight champion.

When he won the featherweight world title in 2016, Carl Frampton made history. He became the first boxer from Northern Ireland to win world titles in two different weight classes. Because of this amazing achievement, he won several "Fighter of the Year" awards. These awards came from The Ring magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN.

Carl Frampton stopped boxing after he lost his fight for the WBO junior-lightweight title. This final fight was against Jamel Herring.

Carl Frampton's Amateur Boxing Career

Amateur boxing in Ireland is managed by the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. As an amateur, Carl Frampton trained at the Midland Boxing Club. He won the Irish senior flyweight title in 2005. In 2009, he won the Irish featherweight title. He beat David Oliver Joyce in the final match.

Carl also won a silver medal at the 2007 European Union Amateur Boxing Championships in Dublin. He lost to France's Khedafi Djelkhir in the final. Carl Frampton is known as one of Ireland's most successful amateur boxers. He won 114 of his fights and lost only 11 times.

Carl grew up in a Unionist area of Belfast. He was often asked if he wished he had boxed for Great Britain. He always said "no." He explained that Irish boxing supported him from a young age. He was very proud to box for Ireland. He also felt humbled by the support he received from all over Ireland and the UK.

Carl Frampton's Professional Boxing Journey

Super-Bantamweight Fights

Starting His Professional Career

Carl Frampton became a professional boxer after winning the Irish featherweight finals in 2009. His first professional fight was in June 2009 in Liverpool, England. He won by knockout in the second round against Sandor Szinavel. In January 2010, he was named Ireland's "Prospect of the Year." This award was given at the Irish National Boxing Awards. In September 2010, he had an exciting win over Yuri Voronin. This fight took place in front of a large crowd at the Ulster Hall. The Belfast Telegraph newspaper compared him to the famous boxer Barry McGuigan.

In December 2010, Carl won his first professional title. This was the BBBofC Celtic super-bantamweight title. He won by TKO in the second round against Scottish boxer Gavin Reid. After this win, Carl said the super-bantamweight division was "super-hot." He mentioned Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe as possible future opponents. He then won another fight against Oscar Chacin. In June 2011, he defended his Celtic title for the first time. He beat Robbie Turley by a unanimous decision after ten rounds.

Winning Titles in His Home Country

Carl Frampton fought Mark Quon for the Commonwealth super-bantamweight title. This fight was on 10 September at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. Carl won by TKO in the fourth round. On 28 January 2012, he successfully defended his Commonwealth title against Kris Hughes. The fight was stopped in the seventh round. Carl was in control from the very beginning. On 17 March 2012, Carl defended his title again. He beat Prosper Ankrah by TKO in the second round. After this win, Carl challenged the British champion Scott Quigg to a fight.

Carl then beat Raúl Hirales, Jr. from Mexico. He won by a unanimous decision. This win earned him the IBF Inter-continental super-bantamweight title. This fight happened on 26 May 2012 in Nottingham, UK. On 22 September 2012, Carl fought Steve Molitor, a former two-time world champion. Carl won by TKO in the sixth round. He knocked Molitor down three times. After the fight, Carl said he was "ready for a world title fight."

On 9 February 2013, Carl faced Kiko Martinez in Belfast. Martinez was the European champion and had never been knocked down. Carl won by TKO in Round 9. He won the European super-bantamweight title and kept his IBF Inter-Continental title. Carl said he wanted the people of Belfast to be proud of him. In August 2014, Martinez won the IBF title.

On 19 October 2013, Carl defended his titles against Jeremy Parodi. This fight was an IBF title eliminator. Carl knocked Parodi out in the sixth round with a body shot. On 4 April 2014, Carl fought Hugo Cazares in Belfast. This was a final eliminator for Leo Santa Cruz's WBC super-bantamweight title. Carl knocked out Cazares in the second round with a left hook.

Becoming a World Champion

Carl Frampton fought for his first world title on 6 September 2014. This was a rematch against Kiko Martinez. Martinez's IBF super-bantamweight title was on the line. The fight took place outdoors in the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. Carl knocked Martinez down in the fifth round. He won by a unanimous decision, becoming a world champion for the first time. After the fight, Carl said it had been a long and hard journey. He wanted to keep the title for a long time. He also called for a fight with WBA champion Scott Quigg. His manager, Barry McGuigan, said Carl could become the best Irish fighter ever.

Carl was nominated for the 2014 RTE Sports Person of the Year. In 2015, ZOO Magazine named him Britain's Coolest Man. Carl was surprised but happy about the award. He felt it was great for boxing. In 2016, Carl was given the MBE award for his services to boxing.

Defending His Title Against Chris Avalos

In December 2014, it was announced that Carl would defend his title for the first time. He would fight American Chris Avalos on 28 February 2015. The fight was at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast. ITV broadcast the fight in the UK. The arena was completely sold out with 11,000 fans. Carl defended his world title against Avalos with a fifth-round knockout. The referee stopped the fight. The fight was watched by many people, with 1.1 million viewers on average.

Defending His Title Against Alejandro González Jr.

Carl Frampton's second title defense was on 18 July against Alejandro González Jr. in El Paso, Texas. González, who was not expected to win, knocked Carl down twice in the first round. Carl quickly recovered from the knockdowns. He came back strong and won by a clear unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 116–108, 116-108, and 115–109. Carl controlled the fight after the early moments. This fight also had many viewers, peaking at 2.4 million on ITV.

The Big Fight Against Scott Quigg

On 27 October 2015, there were talks about a big fight between Carl Frampton and undefeated WBA champion Scott Quigg. This was expected to be one of the biggest British boxing matches in years. A deal was made for early 2016. The fight was called a "unification" fight, but it wasn't officially one. This was because Quigg held a secondary WBA title. Carl's team and Quigg's promoter worked together to make the fight happen.

On 2 November, the fight was officially announced for 27 February 2016. It would take place at the Manchester Arena in England. It was for the IBF and WBA super-bantamweight titles. Both boxers were excited. Carl felt he was the true champion and would defend his title in Quigg's home city. The fight was also broadcast live in the USA.

Carl believed Quigg finally agreed to the fight after Carl was knocked down in his previous fight. Carl had been asking to fight Quigg for four years. The IBF said the winner of the fight would have 90 days to fight a Japanese boxer named Shingo Wake. The WBA wanted the winner to fight Guillermo Rigondeaux. Both Carl and Quigg said they were open to fighting Rigondeaux.

Carl and Quigg both weighed in at the arena in front of 3,000 fans. There was a tense stare-down between them. Carl blew Quigg a kiss at the end. Carl was slightly favored to win. There were some disagreements before the fight, like who would get the bigger dressing room. Carl's team had many demands, including American judges and entering the ring second.

In a very close fight, Carl won by split decision. The judges scored it 113–115, 116–112, and 116–112. Carl controlled the first half of the fight. Quigg fought back strongly in the later rounds. Carl said he felt he was a clear winner. Quigg broke his jaw during the fight and wanted a rematch. Carl visited Quigg's dressing room after the fight to show respect. In March 2016, Carl was stripped of his WBA title because he did not agree to fight Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Featherweight Fights

Moving Up in Weight to Fight Léo Santa Cruz

Carl Frampton moved up to a new weight class to fight undefeated Mexican Léo Santa Cruz. This was for the WBA (Super) featherweight title. The fight happened at the Barclays Center in New York City on 30 July 2016. In an exciting fight, Carl became the first boxer from Northern Ireland to win world titles in two different weight classes. He beat Santa Cruz by a majority decision after 12 rounds. One judge scored it a draw, but the others gave the win to Carl. Carl landed more accurate punches.

After the fight, Carl said it was a dream come true. He never thought he would win titles in two divisions. He respected Santa Cruz as a true warrior. Carl wanted to defend his new title in his home city. He also hoped to become the first Irish boxer to win world titles in three different weight classes. The fight was watched by many people, with a peak of 549,000 viewers.

The Rematch Against Léo Santa Cruz

A rematch between Carl Frampton and Léo Santa Cruz was planned in October. There were talks about the fight being in Belfast. However, it was confirmed to be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. This was Carl's first time fighting there as a professional. The date was set for 28 January 2017. Carl lost his title by majority decision in front of 10,085 fans. Both Santa Cruz and Carl immediately talked about having a third fight, possibly in Belfast. Carl earned $1 million for this fight.

Changing His Team

In May 2017, Carl was ranked number two by the WBA in the super featherweight division. This suggested he might try to become a three-weight world champion. By the end of May, talks began for a fight against IBF champion Lee Selby. Carl's promoter said the fight would happen later. On 15 June, Carl announced he would return to the ring in Belfast on 29 July. His opponent was confirmed to be Mexican boxer Andrés Gutiérrez. This was meant to be a WBC title eliminator. However, the day before the fight, Carl weighed 1 pound over the limit. So, the fight would not be an eliminator. Carl apologized to his fans.

Later that day, Gutiérrez had an accident in his hotel shower. He suffered a cut to his chin and bruised his head. The fight was then canceled. Carl's team was disappointed but said they would try to reschedule. On 17 August 2017, the fight was called off completely. Carl officially announced he was leaving his long-time promoter, Cyclone Promotions, on 22 August 2017.

In early September, rumors spread that Carl would hire former boxer Jamie Moore as his new trainer. On 6 September, Carl confirmed Moore as his trainer. On 19 September, Carl announced he had signed a deal with a sports management company called MTK Global. On 23 September, it was rumored that Carl would sign with British promoter Frank Warren. Carl wanted to sign with a promoter who could guarantee him a big stadium fight in Ireland. A day later, Carl confirmed he had joined Warren. He wanted to fight before Christmas and secure another world title in 2018.

Fighting Horacio García

At a press conference, it was announced that Carl Frampton would fight an unnamed opponent on 18 November 2017 in Belfast. This fight was meant to prepare him for a world title fight in 2018. On 4 October, it was confirmed that Carl would fight Mexican boxer Horacio García. This would be a ten-round fight. Carl said he asked for a ten-round fight because of his difficult year and long break. This was Carl's first fight in Belfast since February 2015.

The fight was at 127 pounds. Carl won by decision after ten rounds against a tough opponent. The judges scored the fight 98–93, 97–93, and 98–93. Carl started strong, but he showed some "ring-rust." In round 7, Carl was knocked down. Replays showed it might have been a slip. Carl and his promoter said there would be another fight in Spring 2018, followed by a summer fight at Windsor Park.

Fighting Nonito Donaire

In December 2017, Frank Warren announced Carl Frampton's next fight would be on 7 April 2018 in Belfast. Former four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire was a possible opponent. On 21 December, the fight was officially announced for 21 April 2018 at the SSE Arena, Belfast. A month before the fight, it was announced that the WBO interim title would be on the line.

In a close fight, Carl beat Donaire by unanimous decision. All three judges scored the fight 117–111 for Carl. Carl spent most of the fight moving backward. In the second half, Donaire had more success and hurt Carl several times. Donaire was cut over his right eye after an accidental clash of heads. Carl said Donaire was a dangerous fighter.

Fighting Luke Jackson

On 1 May 2018, promoter Frank Warren announced that Windsor Park in Belfast was booked for Carl's next fight on 18 August. Carl confirmed it would not be a world title fight. Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury also appeared on the fight card. On 18 June, Carl's opponent was confirmed as undefeated Australian boxer Luke Jackson. Carl would defend his WBO interim belt. Jackson was undefeated in 16 fights. Carl had to remove his shorts to make the featherweight limit of 126 pounds.

In front of 24,000 fans, Carl dominated Jackson. Jackson's corner stopped the fight in round 9. Carl controlled the fight from the start. He knocked Jackson down with a body shot in round 8. Jackson got up but continued to take punches. Carl said the atmosphere was special and his dream came true. This was Carl's first knockout win in seven fights. It was later revealed that Jackson had ruptured both of his eardrums during the fight.

Fighting Josh Warrington

Immediately after Carl's win over Jackson, Frank Warren announced that Carl would challenge IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington. Warrington was at the fight and entered the ring. Warren said the fight would happen in December 2018. On 28 August, it was reported that the fight would likely take place at the Manchester Arena. On 15 September, the fight was officially announced for 22 December 2018. Both boxers successfully made the featherweight limit. Carl lost the fight by unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 116–112, 116–112, and 116–113 for Warrington.

Super Featherweight Fights

Fighting Tyler McCreary

Carl's first fight after losing to Warrington was planned for 10 August 2019. However, Carl had to pull out because he fractured his left hand in an accident.

After his hand healed, he moved up in weight. He fought Tyler McCreary on 30 November in Las Vegas. Carl was aggressive from the start. In the sixth round, Carl knocked McCreary down with a combination of punches to the body. McCreary got up at the count of nine. In the ninth round, Carl landed more body shots, forcing McCreary to take a knee again. McCreary got up and finished the fight. Carl won by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 100–88. After the fight, Carl said he wanted to fight for a world title next. He mentioned Jamel Herring, the WBO junior-lightweight champion.

Fighting Darren Traynor

Carl's next fight was planned for 13 June 2020, against WBO champion Jamel Herring. But the fight was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both fighters decided to have a warm-up fight first.

Carl's warm-up fight was on 15 August 2020, against Vahram Vardanyan. However, Vardanyan could not get a visa to enter the UK. So, Darren Traynor was brought in as a last-minute replacement. Carl knocked Traynor down with a left hook to the body in round six. In the seventh round, Carl continued to attack the body. Traynor stopped fighting after another left hook. With this win, Carl moved closer to his planned fight with Herring.

Carl Frampton's Retirement from Boxing

His Final Fight Against Jamel Herring

After Herring defeated Jonathan Oquendo in September, the WBO wanted Herring to fight another boxer before January 2021. This put Carl's long-awaited fight with Herring at risk. The next month, the WBO allowed Herring to fight Carl. In January 2021, it was announced that the fight would finally happen in London on 27 February. However, Carl suffered a hand injury, so the fight was postponed again to 4 April. The location changed to Dubai. Carl was ranked #3 by the WBO at super featherweight.

During the fight, Carl caused a cut above Herring's right eye in the fourth round. In the fifth round, Carl was knocked down by a straight left punch. Carl was knocked down a second time in the sixth round by a left uppercut. Carl got back to his feet, but he was unsteady. Herring then threw many punches, and Carl's trainer threw in the towel. Carl lost the fight by technical knockout in the sixth round.

In the interview after the fight, Carl announced he was retiring. He said he had promised to retire if he lost. He wanted to spend more time with his family. He said he had missed his kids growing up. Carl said boxing had been good and bad to him. He had enjoyed the best years of his career. Now, he wanted to go home to his wife and children.

Carl Frampton's Legacy in Boxing

Carl Frampton comes from Belfast, a city with a difficult history. He wanted to be remembered like his former manager, Barry McGuigan. McGuigan was seen as a symbol of peace during his boxing career. In 2014, McGuigan said that boxing could bring people together. He remembered a night when he, a Catholic, boxed in a Protestant area of Belfast during a tough time.

Carl said in 2015, "I want to be a legend." He wanted people to talk about his fights for many years, just like they talked about Barry McGuigan's fights. He wanted to create a lasting impact. He aimed to keep beating big names and bring big fights to Belfast. McGuigan told the BBC that Carl was following in his footsteps. He said Carl was a "beacon for peace and reconciliation" and represented the future of Northern Ireland.

In 2014, McGuigan believed Carl "could end up as the best Irish fighter there has ever been." He thought Carl could win titles in featherweight and super-featherweight divisions. McGuigan himself was known for wearing a dove on his shorts, which symbolized peace. He also did not have a national anthem played at his fights. He had dual Irish-British citizenship and married a Protestant woman. These actions were very meaningful at the time. Carl also had many loyal fans from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. They came in large numbers to support him at his fights.

Carl Frampton's Professional Boxing Record

Carl Frampton's Boxing Awards

• Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year: 2016
• Sugar Ray Robinson Award: 2016

See also

In Spanish: Carl Frampton para niños