Frampton's refreshing focus

Carl Frampton’s and his promoter Barry McGuigan’s confidence in the young Belfast fighter has been shown again as he prepares to square up to former European title challenger Yuriy Voronin at the Ulster Hall on September 18.

After just six fights for the man known as ‘The Jackal’, it’s certainly a bit of a risky decision to take on an experienced boxer like Voronin who, despite seven losses, has 27 wins and 18 knockouts to his name.

Voronin also pushed Irishman Bernard Dunne to the limit back in 2005, losing by just two rounds and has drawn one of his European title challenges against France's Cyril Thomas.

However, the Ukrainian lost in his last outing against Manchester featherweight Joe Murray who, like Frampton, had just six bouts under his belt before he faced Voronin back in February.

And at 37-years-old, Voronin is certainly no spring chicken which means it is a fantastic match up by Frampton’s team as it provides him with a credible opponent that may be tough, but is certainly beatable.

There are so many young fighters, too many to mention in fact, that are over-protected by promoters who are keen to ensure they can cash in on their men in the future, McGuigan’s stance is refreshing.

The former world featherweight champion wants his man in against top opponents and is happy to take the chance but there’s no doubt it’s not a silly risk, he’ll know that Frampton is ready for a bout like this.

Moving his fighter on quicker means it keeps people interested in him and there’s enough hype about Frampton already that McGuigan can put him top of the September 18 bill, despite it only being his first eight round contest.

McGuigan is hoping that the ‘The Jackal’ made enough of an impression on the Belfast faithful in his Kings Hall win over Londoner Ian Bailey in June so that he can fill the Ulster Hall this time and the selection of a tough fighter will be key to increasing Frampton’s support.

As McGuigan said at the announcement of Voronin as the opponent, boxing fans in Belfast won’t stand for him putting a dud in front of Frampton.

And he’s right, fans in Northern Ireland have been treated to watching some world class fighters over the years fight in their capital– McGuigan himself, Wayne McCullough and Dave McAuley have all defended world titles in the city.

They won’t settle for seeing a 23-year-old prospect easily stopping another young fighter in the early rounds as top of the bill entertainment and Voronin will provide a good enough fight to excite fans while also giving the Belfast man a chance to show his worth.

Frampton is also keen to take on better opponents and he wants to keep moving quickly and at a young age he’s certainly got the world at his feet.

A win over an opponent like Voronin who is known across Europe would certainly increase the Belfast boxer’s reputation across the continent.

Not only that, but it will show how he can handle a strong, experienced opponent as he continues to learn the ropes in the paid ranks.

It’s certainly Frampton’s biggest test yet but it should just be a small bridge that this exciting fighter has to cross on his way to the top of the super-bantamweight division.