'Proud' Carl Frampton ready to make history in Dubai

Carl Frampton says becoming the first ever three-weight world champion on the island of Ireland would "mean the world " to him.
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The Belfast boxer will take on American Jamel Herring in Dubai on Saturday in a bid to make history and win the WBO super-featherweight title.

The 34-year-old though admitted if he was to lose the bout it would signal the end of his career, but he is determined for that not to happen.

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“It would mean the world to me to become a three-weight world champion, not just for me but for the people that have helped me on my journey," said Frampton ahead of the bout at Caesars Palace Dubai.

Carl Frampton is aiming to be Ireland's first three-weight world championCarl Frampton is aiming to be Ireland's first three-weight world champion
Carl Frampton is aiming to be Ireland's first three-weight world champion

"I’m very proud of what I’ve done in my career so far, and this is a chance to go down as the only ever three-weight world champion from the whole island of Ireland.

“I would join an elite bunch of fighters, so I’m determined to make sure that happens.

"I respect Jamel Herring and his time, and for me to win this fight I need to get it perfect on the night. I’m fully confident, and feel like the stars are coming together.

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"If I lose, I'm retiring because I want to be a world champion again.

"I'd have to go round the houses and get myself into a position to fight for another world title.

"I'm not prepared to do that at 34 years old. But I want to win this fight which I will do. I'm not even thinking about losing."

Frampton, who is now in his third week in Dubai, is raring to go after a good camp.

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The Belfast man said it took him time to adjust to his new surroundings and he questioned Herring's decision to only travel to the venue last Friday.

“I’ve been in Dubai for three weeks now and it was definitely beneficial to get out here early," said Frampton.

"I’m used to my surroundings and the heat, and we’ve been able to finish off a good camp.

"The time difference from where I'm from is four hours, and it took us about a week to get over that completely.

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"Jamel Herring is not gonna be over this completely by the time the fight comes around."

Herring dismissed that though saying his background as a Marine left him comfortable with long-distance travel and he is ready to face the "best version of Carl".

"I think it took me literally a day just to get adjusted because we knew what to expect," said the New Yorker, who captured the WBO super-featherweight title in May 2019.

“Everything in my life has formed me to who I am today. If you look at my military experience and even before then to my upbringing and how I was raised, it has made me the man I am today.

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“I’ve told people throughout camp that I’m a fan of Carl. He’s a two-division champion and besides his accolades in the ring, he’s a father and a husband like myself, so we both share common mutual respect. We want to do our job and get back to our families.

“We’ve prepared for the best version of Carl, and with everything that he has done in his career, he will be the biggest name on my resume. I’ve been invited to Belfast many times, so maybe down the road me and him can get that pint.”

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