The British and Irish are among some of the most passionate, loyal and vocal boxing fans in the world. When they get behind one of their fighters, they do it with gusto. Ricky ‘the Hitman’ Hatton galvanised fans in their thousands. His barmy army travelled in droves across the Atlantic to spur on their hero chanting ‘there’s only one Ricky Hatton’ wherever they went. Hatton united his hometown of Manchester, and at times the nation. While his technical ability didn’t match his desire at the elite level; his fanatical following was one of a kind.
Even Las Vegas, with its glitz and glamour can’t quite match the raw and ferocious atmosphere generated by a motivated British boxing crowd. Manchester, in the north-west of the country, is a city that loves boxing. Whether it’s a domestic rivalry or a world title clash; Manchester has seen it all. Eubank vs. Benn. Froch vs. Groves. Brodie vs. Chi. Calzaghe vs. Lacy. The list goes on. So it’s rather fitting that the highly anticipated fight between Ireland’s Carl Frampton and Bury’s Scott Quigg is happening there.
Between them, Quigg and Frampton hold two of the super-bantamweight world titles, and big fights with the likes of Nonito Donaire, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Leo Santa Cruz are all possible future opponents for the winner. If you’d asked me to pick a winner 12-18 months ago then without hesitation, I would have said Frampton. To me, the Belfast man is the more refined and complete fighter. Quigg’s last performance (a knockout victory over Kiko Martinez) has led many to believe Frampton no longer holds the advantage. How much Frampton’s performance against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr shows real weaknesses that Quigg will be able to exploit is unsure. Despite being dropped twice, Frampton picked himself up off the canvas and dominated the rest of the fight.
The more footage I study, the closer the fighters match up. Quigg prefers to go looking for his man while Frampton fights well on the front foot and in reverse. Frampton arguably has the better feet and the more fluid combinations. Quigg, on the other hand, has a fantastic engine, is possibly the bigger hitter of the two, and punches well to both body and head. Then there’s the confidence Quigg has exuded throughout the build up to this fight. There’s a steely look of conviction in his eyes. Mind you, Frampton is hardly short of belief. But it’s the Bury man who has appeared calmer when the fighters have met for their press obligations. Have Quigg’s team got under Frampton’s skin a little? If Frampton brings too much emotion into the ring, then he will be playing straight into Quigg’s hands. Whose game plan will be the right one and which fighter will stick to theirs in the heat of battle?
I can’t see Quigg outboxing Frampton. Quigg will need to apply intelligent pressure, keep a tight guard and try and slow Frampton down with his work to the body. I don’t think too much should be read into Frampton being dropped twice in his last outing either. Frampton can hold a shot. But with 8oz gloves, neither man can afford to make many mistakes. Frampton needs to maintain 100% concentration throughout the fight. Frampton’s skills could frustrate Quigg, and if that leads to openings, then you can bet your bottom dollar Frampton will capitalise. Frampton needs to be prepared to mix it with Quigg from time to time. In the exchanges, Quigg’s hooks might be the difference. Frampton has a pretty sound defence; however, he sometimes carries his hands a little low for my liking.
This fight will force both men to show their strength of character. It’s going to get tough at times, and the fighters will have to bite down on their gum shields. When one of them gets clipped, how will their pride affect their composure? How will the crowd influence their performance? There are so many interesting dynamics that make this a must-watch fight. Can Frampton frustrate Quigg with his superior boxing skills? Or will the Manchester man’s power and determination see him come out on top? On paper, Quigg has more experience. 33 fights as opposed to Frampton’s 21, and more experience in world title fights too. It’s too close to call. It’s set to be a cracking contest where the real winners will be the fans. I can’t wait.
Outside The Ropes 