DAVE ‘Boy’ McAuley rates Carl Frampton very highly.
But the former IBF World Champion has called for patience when talk of Frampton fighting for a World title rears it’s head.
The Tigers Bay Super bantamweight saw off the challenge of former two-time World Champion Steve Molitor in the sixth round at the Odyssey Arena on Saturday night.
‘The Jackal’ is unbeaten in his 15 professional fights to date and there have been rumours of a World title bid in the coming months.
But McAuley, who defended his IBF crown five times, believes there is no rush to get Frampton in the mix for a World title.
“If I was in the Frampton camp, I would go for the British title next.
“And he is more than capable of winning that. He should then look to defend it two or three times.
“The British title is highly regarded around the world and if you are the best in Britain, you are usually the best in Europe.
“And winning that and defending it a few times against tougher opponents will develop him as a fighter.
“It is one regret that I had that after winning the British title – I did not defend it a few times to get my hands on a Lonsdale belt,” said McAuley.
And McAuley believes there is time on Frampton’s side as he enters an exciting period in his career.
“Carl has only had 15 fights and I would like to see him having at least another five fights before he goes for a World title.
“He could even have seven, eight or nine more fights before he goes for a title.
“Look, I believe he has all the ingredients to win a World title and he could do it – but those ingredients need to be mixed together for a little while longer and worked on.
“He is only 25 years old, and I was a week short of 28 when I won my World title. So there is no rush.”
And McAuley says Frampton needs more experience under his belt before he goes up to the highest level.
“He has to be moved up slowly.
“He did what he had to do against Molitor, but Molitor was not the same man I commentated on four or five years ago.
“But Carl got the job done and looked good doing it.
“I just think they should keep moving up the levels before he fights for a World title.
“Jumping up to fight for a World title is like going from Non-League football to playing in the Champions League.
“It is a big step and I would take my time with him before he goes to that level.
“He has the ability to fight at that level, but he needs a few more fights under his belt.
“I lost a couple of fights before I won a World – but I learnt so much from those fights.
“The experience I picked up made me the fighter that I became.
“He is a very exciting prospect and you can see the quality – but I would wait for at least another five fights before going for a World title,” added McAuley.
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