Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SSE ARENA, BELFAST AN AIRE OF CONFIDENCE
Frampton says Filipino is a future Hall of Famer who’ll be a HUGE notch on his belt!
CARL FRAMPTON accepts he faces the toughest test of his career when he goes toe-to-toe with Nonito Donaire.
The pair will trade leather at the SSE Arena on Saturday night for the WBO interim world featherweight title, and a shot at current champion Oscar Valdez.
It is a huge fight for both fighters – one that has been billed as the biggest ever to take place on these shores.
Both men looked in relaxed mood at yesterday’s final press conference.
But while the mood was punctuated by pleasantries and respect, Frampton knows it will be war once the opening bell sounds on Saturday night.
“In terms of accolades, Donaire (right) has accomplished more than anyone I have ever fought,” Frampton said. “He is a future Hall of Famer, and I hope to enter that bracket too.
“He is the best fighter I have ever fought, sand that includes Leo Santa Cruz and Scott Quigg. Donaire has accomplished more than anyone.
“It will be a big thing for me to get the result on Saturday night, and that’s why I have worked so hard in camp.”
Frampton admits he has “trained smart” in the lead-up to fight night, adopting a new nutritionist and strength and conditioning coach who have refined his preparations.
He also travelled to Tenerife for altitude training alongside stablemates Martin Murray, Tommy Coyle, Conrad Cummings and Steven Ward.
The Tiger’s Bay man has left no stone unturned, hinting at a career-best performance when he steps through the ropes on
Saturday.
“People talk about how good their camp has been, saying, ‘I had the best camp ever’, but I genuinely believe I have had the best camp yet. Because it has been the smartest camp,” he added.
“I don’t remember having a bad day in training once, or a bad spar. I feel everything is coming together and I expect a big performance.”
Frampton missed weight for last summer’s ill-fated bout with Andres Gutierrez, while November’s fight with Horacio Garcia was contested at an agreed 9st 1lbs – one pound over the featherweight limit. The 31-year-old admits his new approach to training has made the battle against the scales a less stressful experience. The 9st limit has been OK, because I have done this camp properly,” he added.
“It has been OK because of the approach I have taken. We have a nutritionist on board and I have a good strength and conditioning coach.
“I haven’t been afraid of the scales which I have in the past.
“I used to look in the mirror and tell myself the weight I should be at.
“I am training like a professional athlete now.
“It is never too late to make changes, and they are all for the better. It is never easy making weight, but it is easier.”