Carl Frampton: A career to be proud of

When Carl Frampton collapsed to canvas last Saturday against Jamel Herring, I let out an audible sigh.

It was pretty obvious in the opening round that the little man nicknamed “The Jackel” wouldn’t be able to conjure up the talent that had won him two world titles in two different weight divisions a few years ago.

He wanted three, but it wasn’t to be. Writing the post-fight article was a tad melancholy for me.

I’ve always liked Frampton. He’s classy and a regular. He often spoke of hoisting a few after fights with boxing fans. He meant it, and did it.

In 2014, Frampton became the first fighter from Northern Ireland to capture a world championship. The fight went down in an outside arena in Belfast, not far from where the Titanic was built. Sixteen thousand raucous fans screamed themselves horse as Frampton floored Martinez in round five – cruising to unanimous decision victory.

Two years later, Frampton met undefeated juggernauts Scott Quigg and Leo Santa Cruz. Quigg, who had starched 28 of 31 opponents, was favored. Many figured he’d knock out Frampton. Didn’t happen. Frampton broke Quigg’s jaw to win an exciting fight.

Five months later, underdog Frampton moved up in weight and edged previously undefeated Leo Santa Cruz in Brooklyn. The fight was 12 rounds of give-and- take. Frampton gave more.

Frampton was named the Fighter of the Year for 2016 by Ring Magazine, Boxing Writers of America, and ESPN. A loss to Santa Cruz didn’t deter him from returning to Belfast two years later to meet future Hall of Famer Nonito Donaire. Frampton defeated Doniare.

A few months later, he met Josh Warrington in Manchester England. Expected to win, he didn’t. Warrington beat him to the punch consistently.

Frampton talked retirement after the bout, but came back 11 months later. He won but didn’t look very good. Another tune-up victory over one Darren Trayner only proved that at 33, Frampton was fading.

He entered the fight against Herring the favorite - more on his reputation than his most recent performances.

Frampton wiped away tears after losing to Herring. Unlike so many fighters, he made no excuses. He retired officially the winner of 28 of 31 fights, and hailed as a national hero in Ireland.

He earned it all through grit and determination. He wanted to fight the best, and more often than not, he did.

I’ll miss his class and integrity. I’ll miss watching him, but I’ll always remember that night in Belfast when he won his first title.

It was simply amazing.

Enjoy your family and retirement, Carl.