I’M THE BEST IN WORLD..& I’LL PROVE IT

Jackal: Other fighters see me as a ticket to the big time, I can’t make a meal out of Belfast return

CARL FRAMPTON is desperate to end 2017 on a high after ‘the worst year of his career’.

Frampton relaunches his career tonight at the SSE Arena against Mexican Horacio Garcia and said: “It’s important I kick off this new chapter well. I’m the best featherweight in the world.”

The Belfast ace lost his WBA featherweight title in January and says: “It’s been the worst year so far of my professional career.”

CARL FRAMPTON accepts he has become a “meal ticket” in the featherweight division.

The Jackal remains a box office name despite suffering his sole professional defeat back in January against Leo Santa Cruz.

The 30-year-old will make a belated ring return tonight at the SSE Arena against rugged Mexican Horacio Garcia.

Both men tipped the scales at 9st 1lb at yesterday’s weigh-in - one pound over the featherweight limit - after agreeing to a two-pound excess weight allowance beforehand.

Frampton is massive 1/200 favourite to see off Garcia (33-3-1), and is 2/5 to earn that by knockout or TKO.

But the Tiger’s Bay star is under no illusions.

“I am big favourite, but I can take nothing for granted,” he said. “I am the meal ticket for these guys. If he beats me suddenly he can be demanding big pay days against Santa Cruz or Mares or Valdez - anyone.

“Not only a win against me, but a good performance will propel him onto greater things.

“So I can’t allow that to happen. I have to control the fight completely from start to finish.”

It has been two-and-a-half years since Frampton last fought in Belfast, when he demolished Chris Avalos inside five rounds back in 2015.

He admits he is excited to be returning to his home city following four fights on the road, including three in the United States.

“I have a 100 per cent record at the SSE Arena, and I have won every fight there by knockout, so I can’t wait to get back,” he said.

“Obviously a win is the main aim, but I believe the way things are going that I can get rid of this guy.

“I want a big performance. The whole featherweight division knows I am still a force to be reckoned with, I just have to go out and prove it.

“After this fight we will be going after the big names.”

Frampton insists ring rust won’t be evident when he returns after a 10month absence.

His scheduled fight with Andres Gutierrez in July was scrapped the night before after the Mexican suffered a nasty fall in his hotel shower.

The Jackal has since joined new trainer Jamie Moore and switched to promoter Frank Warren.

“I had a full camp behind me for the fight that fell through in July (against Gutierrez). People were talking about rustiness, but I had a full camp behind me,” Frampton said.

“But I feel it has been a long time since I was out of the ring and I am just looking forward to it.

“People are saying I have a smile back on my face. Maybe that is true.

“I am glad this fight is back in Belfast. It will be good to finally do the business and show people what we have been working on in the gym.

“I will show people that I have plenty left in the tank.”