Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mexican opponent out to punish Carl
CARL FRAMPTON says Andres Gutierrez is kidding himself if he thinks he’s stepping into the ring with a busted flush at the SSE Arena.
The Mexican has been talking up the six-year age gap between the two boxers heading into Saturday night’s title eliminator in Belfast.
But Frampton, who is determined to muscle his way back into world title contention after losing his WBA featherweight crown to Leo Santa Cruz in January, says the 24-year-old is in for a rude awakening.
The Jackal, who turned 30 in February, said: “The age factor to me means experience. 30 used to be an old age in boxing, but not now. I’m still feeling good.
“I feel I have improved with age and my engine has improved. At 24, I would have struggled to do 12 rounds, but at 30 I feel strong and can do 12 rounds no problem.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of big fights at the top of the sport and although he’s had more fights than me, I am a more experienced fighter.”
While Frampton is confident, he is taking nothing for granted against the gritty Gutierrez.
“He’s a hard puncher and has more knockout wins than I’ve had fights. He also has a good tight defence and will be hard to break down, but I believe if I perform, I’m the best featherweight in the world. I need to go out and prove that on Saturday night.”