Carl Frampton reflects on his career in emotional statement

The Belfast man hung up his gloves following his defeat to Jamel Herring in Saturday's WBO super-featherweight title fight in Dubai.

The 34-year-old confirmed his retirement after failing in his bid to become a three-weight world champion.

But in a statement put out on his social media Frampton confirmed that Saturday's bout would be his last no matter what the result.

He also reflected on the highlights of his fantastic career in the ring and thanked his fans for their support.

"Only those closest to me know that, win, lose or draw with Jamel Herring, I was planning to retire," said the statement.

"I made a promise to myself and to my wife and kids – the most important people in my life – that whatever the result, that was my last one.

“When I look back on my career I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined. Celtic, Commonwealth and European titles, winning my first world title at home in a purpose-built arena, the sold-out nights defending that title at the Odyssey, unifying a division, defeating a top ten pound for pound guy, winning a title in a second division against the odds, Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, MBE, and fulfilling a dream by fighting and winning in front of a packed Windsor Park.

“For me though, my biggest career achievement has been my fan base and support. I can’t express how thankful I am to the army of fans who made those nights in the Odyssey so atmospheric, the 16,000 that saw me win my first title at home on that special night, the 15,000 who travelled to Manchester the night we took over and I unified, and the thousands that travelled to the States to watch me fight a great champion in Leo Santa Cruz.

“As a fighter, the support has been my biggest and proudest accomplishment. The outpouring of respect that I have received since my defeat to Herring has been immense and I thank all who have said kind words to me. They fill me with a huge sense of pride.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of my beautiful wife Christine and my amazing children, Carla and Rossa.

"Christine has made sacrifices that I am eternally grateful for; giving up on her own aspirations to allow me to fulfil mine, supporting me financially at the start when I had nothing, and supporting me emotionally throughout my career without ever asking for anything in return. I owe her so much and now I would love to help her chase her own dreams."

The Belfast man also paid homage to his home city and added he now hopes to repay that support by helping others.

“As much as my family, I cannot forget the people, city and nation that I have come from," the statement continued.

"My sense of belonging, my roots and the community have always uplifted me and given me so much. It is my turn now to repay some of that and to take on the new challenge of helping others as they have helped me in the past.

“I was 7 years old when I joined Midland/White City ABC and I learnt early on that resilience and determination was the only difference between me, and the many other kids who I lost to growing up as a young amateur. So, to anybody out there chasing dreams, if you want it enough you can get it.

“Thank you to my Mum and Dad, to Billy McKee, to Cooper McClure, to Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, to MTK Global, to Ben Pilbeam and thinkBeyond Talent, to everyone that has supported me and played a part in my career over the last 27 years, big or small, and the biggest thank you to my wife Christine and children Carla and Rossa.

"You will always come first.”

READ MORE:

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