Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Jackal’s Gutierrez bout scrapped
Bogus officials target livestock driver
CYCLONE Promotions have pulled the plug on Carl Frampton’s fight against Andres Gutierrez.
The firm headed by Barry Mcguigan yesterday said the bout, which was postponed last month after the Mexican cut his face and lost teeth in a freak accident, has been cancelled.
The announcement follows claims the Jackal’s long-term partnership with his manager could be coming to an end.
A statement said: “Since the unfortunate postponement of the fight between Carl Frampton and Andres Gutierrez on Saturday, July 29, Cyclone Promotions, the SSE Arena, Belfast, boxing authorities and relevant broadcasters have been working to agree a new date for the fight.
“Unfortunately a proposed date in November was unsuitable to all parties. It is therefore with regret we are announcing the cancellation of this event.
“We are all profoundly disappointed for the fans, the boxers, and those who have worked with and supported us THE PSNI and agriculture officials have issued a warning after men pretending to be inspectors pulled over a lorryload of livestock on the M1.
It is understood the driver realised the men were bogus and drove off.
It is unclear what their intentions were but it is feared the move may have been an attempt to steal the livestock.
The incident happened on Wednesday night close to Portadown, Co Armagh.
A source added: “There were fellas in a car that pulled up alongside the lorry and were signalling for the driver to pull over.
“He pulled over but seems to have on this event.” The statement made no reference to speculation regarding a reported falling out between the Belfast star, 30, and Cyclone Promotions.
The bout was originally called off after Gutierrez injured himself when slipping in the shower the night before the fighters were due to clash.
The day of drama also saw Frampton come in one pound over the 9st featherweight limit.
The statement added seats bought online or by phone with Ticketmaster will be automatically refunded within three to seven working days.
It said customers who got passes through a Ticketmaster outlet, the SSE Arena Box Office or private seller to return to the point of purchase.
The statement added: “We appreciate the ongoing patience of all ticket holders.
“We are working to arrange a date for a new fight and are confident Carl Frampton will become world champion
again.” For further details email info@cyclonepromotions. com. realised after asking them who they were and for ID that it wasn’t for real. They jumped back in the car and drove off.”
The Department of Agriculture and PSNI urged livestock transporters to be aware of fake officials.
Veterinary Enforcement Officer Danny Gray added: “Our inspectors always carry official identification cards.
“If in any doubt livestock transporter drivers should therefore ask to see the identification of anyone who attempts to stop or inspect their vehicle.”
Anyone who spots suspicious activity should call the PSNI on 101.