Who wins between Carl Frampton versus Jamel Herring tonight? Andy Watters asked some Irish fighters for their prediction:
Mick Conlan (super-bantamweight contender)
It’s a 50-50 fight. They are both in the twilight of their careers but something has me edging towards Carl – he seems to have the glint in his eye for this one. It’s a chance to create history and, with everything that’s on the line, he’ll step up and get the win.
Dave Boy McAuley (IBF flyweight champion)
Frampton will win on points. I think he is determined to be a three-weight world champ.
Tony Dunlop (James Tennyson coach)
It’s a 50/50 fight. If Carl pulls it off he will become Ireland’s first triple world champion and be ranked up alongside Jimmy McLarnin as one of Ireland’s greatest in the history of the game. This will be his incentive. He has seen better days, but with his fighting spirit and to fulfil his legacy, I predict Frampton by late stoppage.
Brian Magee (WBA super-middleweight champion)
Frampton is a great boxer and always had a great measure of distance and handled tall fighters. He looks in great shape and strong at this weight but I think Herring is starting to drain himself at the weight. So advantage Frampton, especially in second half of fight. It could be a late stoppage from round nine onwards
Caomhin Agyarko (middleweight contender)
I think Frampton wins on points. There’s a lot on the line for him - a chance to make some history so I think he will leave it all in the ring. It’s a tough fight to call but Frampton is technically a good fighter and strong, so I’m going Frampton UD.
Tommy McCarthy (EBU cruiserweight champion)
Carl wins, he’s better than Herring in every department. People think it’s a hard fight because of Herring’s size but if Carl performs to his ability it will be one of his handier fights.
Dee Walsh (former boxer turned trainer)
Frampton. Herring is a really tall southpaw but he goes forward and gives up a lot of his strengths. He is strong-minded and fit and he can punch a bit but boxing skill and tactics beats that all day long. If Frampton has his tactics right he will beat him easy enough.
Paddy Barnes (two-time Olympic medallist)
Frampton wins with a late stoppage.
