Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
It’s now the time to give a wee bit back to the fans
HERO FRAMPTON DETERMINED TO ENJOY A LONG AND FRUITFUL RETIREMENT
CARL FRAMPTON feels he owes it to the people of Northern Ireland to ‘help out’ in his career after boxing.
The Belfast hero fell short in his attempt to become Ireland’s first ever three-weight world champion against Jamel Herring earlier this month before announcing his retirement.
The Jackal insists that walking away – win, lose or draw against Herring (inset) – was always the plan with wife Christine and his kids the priority.
But in a wide-ranging interview with Chris Lloyd on Inside Fighting on Youtube, Frampton opened up on some of his other aspirations beyond the ring.
“I’m very proud of the fanbase and support I have had. I want to give back, me and Christine, to the people, particularly from Northern Ireland,” he said.
“We have seen a lot of violence and trouble on the street at the minute, especially in working class loyalist areas.
“I don’t really know what shape or form it’s going to be. Some sort of a foundation probably. I want to do something to help my people and the people that I owe so much to.
“Christine wants to be involved in that as well. She put her career on hold, she done a degree in criminal justice. She likes to help people and she can be a real force in whatever we want to do together.
“Christine has done so much for me and the kids, she is an amazing person. I literally want to dedicate the rest of my life now to her and the kids.”
Frampton admitted he couldn’t bring himself to watch the Herring fight back.
Trainer Jamie Moore, who is still in hotel quarantine after the Dubai trip, threw in the towel in the sixth round of the superfeatherweight title bout.
“I’ve no recollection at all of getting knocked down the second time, none whatsoever. It’s a bit worrying that, isn’t it?” he told Inside Fighting. “I thought I just got stopped on my feet.
“I had a go and I’m glad. I thought I could win a world title, so I’m glad I had that go. I achieved beyond my wildest dreams, own my own house, got a few quid, and I’m getting out with my faculties intact, with opportunities and options.”