It's been a long time coming, but CARL FRAMPTON finally gets his chance to put his name in the history books when he takes on Jamel Herring in Dubai.
'The Jackal' challenges the WBO super featherweight king in a bid to become the first three-weight world champion from the island of Ireland, and both men will be thankful it is finally here after setbacks aplenty. Covid-19 and injuries have caused several planned dates to be abandoned but it should be worth the wait and the popular Frampton will have plenty of support back home as it goes out live on Channel 5.
There is an awful lot to like about this contest, not least that it looks very evenly matched and that is backed up by the bookies struggling to split them (10/11 the pair, in places). Both in their mid-thirties, retirement will most likely be on the cards for the loser and that usually makes for good viewing. Furthermore, they are likeable characters with very interesting back stories to tell and they represent a fascinating style match-up, with Herring towering over his opponent by five inches at 5'10".
As we saw last week with Alexander Povetkin, the effects of recovering from Covid-19 can show themselves in the ring and Herring has similar questions to answer in a way, as he admitted to not feeling 100% prior to the Oquendo bout last time and seemed keen for a way out when questioned by the doctor about the severity of a cut over his eye.
Along with potential weight issues for the champion, I expect Herring to slow down after halfway and Frampton can really turn up the heat to pile up the rounds on the cards late on. The judges can hand Frampton a famous victory, one that would cap off a brilliant career and give him one foot in the Hall of Fame.
Posted at 1045 BST on 02/04/21
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