Hatton tips Frampton to be world champion
BRITISH super-bantamweight boxer Carl Frampton will “definitely” become world champion, according to retired Ricky Hatton.
Frampton stopped Jeremy Parodi of France in round six on Saturday in front of an 8,500 sell-out crowd at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast to earn a title shot against Kiko Martinez next year.
And Hatton, himself a multiple former world champion, believes Frampton has the desire required to reach the top.
“As long as you have that fearless hunger you have half a chance. But Carl has more than just half a chance, he will most definitely become a world champion,” said Hatton.
“Saturday was about opening the door for a world title shot, taking no chances, doing the job and impressing.
“There’s no easy fight at this level but he’s ready now.
“Every promoters going to want to deal with him when you see the crowds he pulls in every time he fights in Belfast now.”
Frampton, nicknamed the Jackal, has won all 17 of his professional fights, including 12 by knockout.
He beat Parodi with a body punch, a former trademark of Hatton’s, and the former Mancunian fighter believes the pair share many similarities.
“The thing I like about Carl is that I see very much of myself in him because of his ambition,” added Hatton.
“I didn’t just want to be a world champion I wanted to be the best in the division. Then when I became the best in the division I wanted to become the best in another weight division and then the best pound-for-pound.
“Frampton hasn’t won the world title yet but he’s on the door knocking. I think Carl is a world champion in waiting, with the ability he has and the improvements he keeps making.
“He has the potential to be up there with some of the greatest boxers Ireland has ever had.”