Frampton finale JAMEL’S HEADING OFF

NUTTER: Herring gets a butt and ( inset) in hospital awaiting attention

Frampton will face Herring in his bid to become Ireland’s first threeweight world champion after the American defended his WBO superfeatherweight title yesterday.

Herring won in Las Vegas when challenger Jonathan Oquendo was disqualified for a series of headbutts, which left the champ with a gash above his eye and unable to continue.

Although Herring comfortably won on the scorecards, he was hurt by the criticism of his lacklustre display and admitted he may retire after fighting Frampton.

“Sitting in a hospital alone while being called out with all sorts of negativity is something else,” he said.

“I’m not angry, I’m not sad, just deep in thought. I will still fulfil my obligations against Frampton, but that fight may be my last. I’ve lost too much time from my family as it is.

“I still want the Carl Frampton fight next, by all means. November, December, whatever. I still want that fight next.”

Frampton, 33, who has won world titles at super- bantamweight and featherweight, may have to wait a little longer for his shot at history and Herring may need some time to recover from his cut.

Herring, 34, said: “I accept all the criticism, I’m not going to run and hide from it. Nor will I celebrate or make an excuse about tonight.

“If anything, I’m more frustrated and I need to tighten up for Frampton, simple as that.”

Herring put Oquendo down in the second and the Puerto Rican responded by headbutting him repeatedly, opening up the wound, before the referee stopped the fight after eight rounds.