Frampton thinks he can take Casey

Belfast super-bantamweight Carl Frampton remains convinced that he has the tools to defeat European champion Willie Casey. Unbeaten ‘Jackal’ Frampton, 7-0 (4KO) was an interested ringside spectator in Limerick on Saturday night as Casey stopped Irish Champion Paulie Hyland in the fourth round of their vacant European title fight. And despite offering praise to Casey, Frampton insists that he will prevail if and when the duo meet in the ring.

“I think Paulie would admit that he fought the wrong fight, but Willie was very good and deserved to win,” said Irish Boxing’s Prospect of the Year Frampton. “I went to Limerick to study both boxers – after all, there is a good chance I will be fighting one or both of them in the future. I saw a few things that I will work on in the gym, ways I think their limitations can be exploited.

“I realise that Willie will probably be fighting Kiko Martinez next and I have my Celtic title fight with Gavin Reid on December 3 in the Ulster Hall to prepare for – but hopefully sometime in the middle of next year we can get it on.

“I’m moving up in class with every fight, so after the Reid fight I can press for a good European ranking.

“To do that I’d be happy to fight Paulie as well. He is better than what he showed on Saturday night. Maybe the occasion got to him a little but he can learn from that and if we fought I’d expect him to box more. Either way I think I would win.”

Frampton’s promoter Barry McGuigan also said he hoped a fight with Casey could be made. “Well done to Willie and commiserations to Paulie. Winning ng the European title is a big deal. It’s great for Willie, his team and Irish boxing as a whole. I believe Carl belongs in that mix. He has passed whatever test I have put in front of him – both in the gym and in the ring so I have no fear of taking a fight with Willie. It would be a massive event and I would have every faith that Carl would prevail.”

Carl Frampton faces Scotsman Gavin Reid for the Celtic super-bantamweight title at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on Friday, December 3. The bill, which will be televised live on Setanta Sports, also features Stephen Haughian, Jamie Conlan, Ryan Greene, Troy James and Chris Keane. Tickets for the event, priced £30-£55 are now available from Ticketmaster.ie.