Frampton joins the Northern Ireland sporting greats

Carl Frampton has now joined an illustrious group of Northern Ireland sporting heroes. In the week following his world title win the 27-year-old was paraded out in Belfast City Centre to meet the fans after a civic reception.

“It means the world, honestly. It still hasn’t sunk in to be honest. I’m sore everywhere and I’ll go to bed tonight, have a sleep and then realise what a big deal it is. I’m very honoured,” said Frampton who revealed that he and Kiko had exchanged some civil words after their war.

“I went back to his changing room and spoke to him. We shook hands and I’ve never respected a fighter more in my life. I said that I hope I never see you again! I apologise for the way I acted at the weigh-in. He shook my hand, we had a hug and I met his girlfriend and the rest of his team. They were all very respectful.”

Frampton’s status has been enhanced from boxer to role model but he insists that he does not intend to change the way he operate out of the ring.

“It’s humbling to be a role model but I’m just being myself, I’m not doing anything differently,” he said.

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