Both Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire Jr. have reached the pinnacle of boxing excellence with multiple World titles in different weight classes and recognition that belts can’t measure.
And the two former champions both know their fight on April 21 in Belfast will be crucial in their respective careers.
Frampton, a two-division World champion, said in a BoxingScene.com report that his fight against Donaire would be vital in his bid to return to the pedestal of the featherweight division.
“It’s a brilliant fight, a four-weight World champion against a two-weight World champion,” said Frampton as per BoxingScene.com. “Has a bigger ‘away’ fighter come to fight in Belfast before? I don’t think there’s been a bigger name than Nonito Donire and he’s coming to fight a local guy in his hometown.”
“But I think both of us are in the same situation, a slip-up here and one of us might never fight for a World title again. There’s a lot on the line for both guys.”
The Ring, ESPN, and Boxing Writers’ Association of America all named Donaire Fighter of the Year in 2012 after the Filpino fighter unified the WBO and IBF World Super Bantamweight belts.
Frampton also received the same recognition Donaire received in 2016 when the Jackal unified the IBF and WBA World Super Featherweight titles.
Donaire, who recently won the WBC Silver Featherweight belt in September 2017, said he’s already looking forward to fighting in his opponent’s hometown.
“This is exactly the type of fight I live for, going in against one of the best in the world in the lion’s den of his hometown of Belfast,” said Donaire in the same report.
“I plan to put on a spectacular show for my fans, his fans, and boxing fans in general. When I walk out of the ring victorious, it will all have been worth it.”
Frampton, who came off a 10-round decision victory over Horacio Garcia in November 2017, said his fight against Donaire is the perfect prelude to a potential title bout.
“He’s been at the top of four divisions, but he was in the same weight division as me for quite a while and he’s someone I’ve always kept an eye on,” said Frampton. “He’s someone I admire as well and I think he’s a great fighter, but I think this is the perfect fight to get me ready for a World title in the summer.”