THE CAP FITS FOR JACKAL

Record-breaker Davis tips Frampton to make history

RECORD breaker Steven Davis has backed Carl Frampton to emulate him and make sporting history.

Davis (inset) became the UK’S most-capped player when he captained Northern Ireland last night against Bulgaria and Frampton can join him in the record books if he beats Jamel Herring on Saturday. Frampton will become Ireland’s first three-weight champ with victory over the WBO superfeatherweight king in Dubai and Davis is confident he will he succeed.

“Carl’s been a great example to everyone in Northern Ireland, especially young sportspeople, just his desire to be at the top,” said Davis. “If he wins on Saturday night, which we hope he will, he will create history. “He’s already a legend in Northern Ireland and I wish him all the best, and I just hope he can do it for himself and everyone in Northern Ireland.”

Davis met Frampton when he was invited to discuss his career with the Irish squad and the Rangers midfielder says they found him inspiring.

“He’s come in and met the squad previously and it was very good to hear from him about his journey, what he’s gone through to get where he is and his dedication,” he said.

“He’s a great example and an inspiration even for full internationals like ourselves. We can all take so much from him.”

Frampton remembers being nervous before meeting Davis and his Northern Ireland team-mates because they are his heroes.

The former unified super-bantamweight and WBA Super featherweight king was also worried they would wind him up.

“I remember being very nervous because these are guys who I look up to, support and admire in so many ways,” said the Belfast fighter.

“I know there are a few jokers as well, so I was worried I’d have the p**s taken out of me and about how serious they would take it. But they all listened and it was a very, very nice thing to do.

“Steven Davis, what a player he is by the way, the most-capped British player ever and still performing at a high level.”

Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer David Healy and former WBC bantamweight champion Wayne Mccullough were Frampton’s sporting heroes growing up and he will be proud to take his place alongside them if he beats Herring (below).

“I’m obviously very proud of my achievements and what people say about me,” said Frampton.

“To become a third-weight world champion and put your name among those sporting heroes, you’ll have done all right, haven’t you?”

ZLIVE on Channel 5, starting at 10.00pm