Former two weight class world champion Carl Frampton returns to his hometown of Belfast this weekend to take on veteran Horacio Garcia in the main of Frank Warren’s big boxing card at The SSE Arena.
For Frampton (23-1), it is his first fight in Ireland in more than two and a half years and he has spent the interim time solidifying his spot among boxing’s best. Frampton went to the United States and his highest point and lowest moments both came against the same man, Leo Santa Cruz. Frampton is 1-1 against Santa Cruz, having taken the first loss of his career in his last outing. The trilogy closer awaits and he has potential big fights against countrymen Lee Selby and Scott Quigg also being talked about.
Garcia (33-3-1) is a rugged customer who has faced top guns such as Hozum Hazegawa and Joseph “Jojo” Diaz for two of his losses. His problem is that Frampton is better than both of those guys.
IBF world super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas travels to fave Jamie Conlan in the most competitive bout of the evening in terms of the lines at the books. Ancajas won the belt in his native Philippines and he has since defended the belt in Macao and Australia, so count him road-tested. The undefeated Conlan (19-0) is making his first world title appearance and Ancajas represents a major step up in competition level.
WBO world bantaweight champion Zolani Tete makes a title defense against South Africa’s Siboniso Gonya as a major favorite. A slew of British talent including Lee Haskins, Janue McDonnell, Ryan Burnett and Paul Butler will be lining up to take on the winner.
SSE Arena – Belfast, Northern Ireland
Featherweight 10 rounds –
Horacio Garcia +2500 o7½ -120
Carl Frampton -5000 u7½ +100
Super Flyweight 12 rounds –
Jerwin Ancajas -500 o9½ +150
Jamie Conlan +400 u9½ -170
Bantamweight 12 rounds –
Siboniso Gonya +1750
Zolani Tete -5250
