In advance of Saturday’s unification bout at Manchester Arena in Manchester, Lancaster, United Kingdom, between WBA Super World super bantamweight champion Scott Quigg (31-0-2, 23 KOs) and IBF World super bantamweight champion Carl Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs), both fighters easily made the super bantamweight limit.
Quigg came in at 121.5 pounds. Frampton weighed 121.6.
The two men weigh the same. The two men are undefeated. Both are world champions. And there’s enough bad blood between them to guarantee a good fight.
The British fans are backing Scott Quigg. The Irish fans are backing Carl Frampton. The old hostilities, dating back centuries, have subsided with the years, but they have a chance to reassert themselves in the singular context boxing provides.
“Since the age of 15 all I’ve done is eat, sleep and train,” says Quigg. “My family live their lives around me. I know the hours I’ve put in over the years. There is nothing that can stop me. I believe I am better in every department. Nobody does what I do. This is my moment of destiny. Believe me I will win this fight.”
Quigg isn’t the only one who hears destiny calling.
“No disrespect, I believe he’s a good fighter,” Frampton says. “But I believe I’m a better fighter, plain and simple. There’s a lot at stake. More than world titles. Pride. Bragging rights. It’s about proving it on the night. Reputation is a big thing. It has everything this fight. I believe I have the punching power to knock him out and the boxing brain to beat him comfortable on points.”
The judges for Saturday’s bout are Levi Martinez (USA), Carlos Sucre (USA), and Dave Parris (England). The third man in the ring is Ernest Sharif (USA). The WBA supervisor is Renzo Bagnariol. The IBF supervisor is Anibal Miramontes.
Quigg vs. Frampton has all the makings of a classic.
In the inimitable words of Michael Buffer… Let’s get ready to rumble.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zWsaLe_X94
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.