Injury a disaster for devastated Frampton, says legend McAuley Former world champion fears Carl will not fight again this year

FORMER flyweight world champion Dave ‘Boy’ McAuley has admitted he is worried for Carl Frampton’s future in the ring after the Tigers Bay man was forced to pull out of his fight this weekend following a freak injury.

The former two-weight world champion had to withdraw from his featherweight bout with Emmanuel Rodriguez in Philadelphia after he fractured two bones in his hand when an ornament fell on him while he was sitting in the lobby of his hotel.

It means Frampton’s long hours in the gym and away from his family have been wasted, with the 32-year-old also set to be hit financially.

However, McAuley (right) has bigger and more long-term concerns, with the Larne man questioning what Frampton will do after his lengthy recovery process. “He won’t be able to punch in six weeks; he will be out until after Christmas,” predicted McAuley. “That will set him back because if he has broken his hand then it could set him back nearly six months, especially at this stage of his career.

“It could well be three months before he can start punching the bag or sparring again. I doubt he will be able to fight before the end of the year.

“You couldn’t ask for any worse — it’s a disaster for him.”

Frampton (right), who was due to make his return after a nine-month absence, admitted that the injury crushed him and left him with nothing to show for all his recent hard work.

“I’m just devastated. Absolutely devastated,” said Frampton. “I’ve been away from my kids. Summer holidays, they’ve been off school, I’ve been away, and... it just feels like an absolute waste.”