Top promoter Hearn: I’d love to be in corner for Frampton
ONE of the UK’s top boxing promoters has said he wouldn’t hesitate to snap up Carl Frampton if the Belfast fighter splits from manager Barry McGuigan.
Matchroom Boxing chief Eddie Hearn, who previously promoted Frampton, promised he would do an “outstanding job” representing the fighter if he returned to his stable.
It comes after Cyclone Promotions officially cancelled Frampton’s homecoming clash with Andres Gutierrez last month.
Frampton had been due to fight Gutierrez at the SSE Arena in Belfast on July 29.
However, the contest was called off after the Mexican suffered injuries the night before the fight after falling in the shower of his hotel room.
There has been widespread speculation since the start of this month that former two-weight world champion Frampton will return to Matchroom.
On Wednesday night it was reported that Frampton was poised to end his partnership with McGuigan and Cyclone.
The breakdown in their relationship follows eight years of working together that started when Frampton turned professional in 2009.
Hearn (37) yesterday told the Belfast Telegraph: “There haven’t been any discussions between Carl and Matchroom as of yet.
“I’m not aware of the current contractual status but if he is available we would be interested for sure and we would do an outstanding job.”
Hearn revealed he was interested in representing Frampton after he had previously dismissed talk the fighter may rejoin his ranks.
This happened the same day Frampton weighed in a pound over the 9st featherweight limit for the bout with Gutierrez, which would have cost the 30-year-old a chance at a world title shot had he gone on to win.
Frampton and Barry McGuigan apologised to fans for missing the weight and for the eleventh hour cancellation of the show, which left thousands of supporters disappointed.
It is believed that the relationship between the Belfast boxer and McGuigan had already deteriorated significantly behind the scenes and the cancellation of the fight put added pressure on the crumbling partnership.
Frampton removed himself as a director of Cyclone Promotions days before the fight with Gutierrez was scheduled to take place.
Hearn currently represents Northern Ireland boxer Ryan Burnett, who is the IBF world bantamweight champion.
Frampton split from Hearn’s Matchroom in 2013 to stick with McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions.
It is believed that Frampton is looking to move to America, where he has connections with adviser Al Haymon.
Frampton and McGuigan did not answer calls from the Belfast Telegraph yesterday.
Cyclone said in a statement that a new date for the Gutierrez fight in November “was unsuitable to all parties”.
“We are all profoundly disappointed for the fans, the boxers, and those who have worked with and supported us on this event.”
Frampton is likely to have no shortage of suitors on the management or training side of things.
As well as Hearn, Frank Warren’s BoxNation station televised a string of Frampton bouts after the boxer cuts ties with Sky Sports in 2013.
London’s Adam Booth and Sheffield’s Dave Coldwell are two coaches who will also be watching developments closely.