Carl Frampton believes a loss to Nonito Donaire could spell the end of his career.
The Belfast boxer steps into the ring this Saturday night against four-weight world champion Donaire in front of his home city fans at The SSE Arena in a colossal fight that can be watched live on BoxNation. (Photo credit: Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)
31-year-old Frampton, who has just one loss on his record in 25 fights, is looking to become a world champion again like the highly-respected Donaire and believes that a loss could mean the end for one of them.
“Look at what he’s done in the ring and what’s he achieved. What I’ve done has been overshadowed by what he’s done. He’s a quality fighter and achieved a hell of a lot,” Frampton told iFL TV.
“He’s dangerous because I think we’re in a similar position maybe – last chance saloon – where a loss could be the end. I’m not thinking about that.
“I’ve done everything that’s been asked of me in training camp and I feel like it’s been a quality one,” he said.
Ulsterman Frampton also feels people are underestimating Donaire ahead of the fight but has insisted that he certainly isn’t one of them.
“I get the impression people are writing Donaire off [thinking he’s past it]. I’m not writing him off and that’s the important thing. I don’t think I can get carried away with that too much,” said Frampton.
“I’m preparing for the best Nonito Donaire there’s ever been. It’s been a long training camp. He’s had time to prepare and is a solid professional.
“I’m sure he’s done everything that’s asked of him in training like me. It’s going to be a good night,” he said.
Though he is aware that he must first get past the major test that ‘The Filipino Flash’ will set him this weekend, Frampton could potentially win the interim WBO belt and be set to face world champion Oscar Valdez next up.
“Valdez would be an unreal fight – it would be nothing but fireworks. That fight appeals to me at the minute,” he said.
“Leo Santa Cruz is fighting in June so that rules him out for an August fight. Hopefully we can do the third one at some point,” Frampton said.
Saturday’s massive evening of boxing also features WBO bantamweight champion Zolani Tete making the second defence of his title after his world record-breaking KO win in November against the experienced Argentine Omar Andres Narvaez.
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Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire took questions from the media at today’s press conference at the Europa Hotel ahead of their clash for the WBO Interim Featherweight World Title at Belfast’s SSE Arena this Saturday, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.
Below are a selection of quotes from both fighters and promoter Frank Warren.
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