Nonito Donaire tells Danny Flexen why Carl Frampton achieving his Windsor Park dream is an inspiration
Recent Carl Frampton victim and all-round gentleman Nonito Donaire has spoken of his pride at the Belfast man realising a dream this Saturday by headlining at the city’s Windsor Park, opposite Luke Jackson. Despite being clearly outscored by Frampton in April, Donaire has nothing but kind words to offer regarding his conqueror, and the Northern Irish capital that hosted his defeat as well as this weekend’s marquee show.
“It’s always incredible to see fighters accomplish their dreams, and in any walk of life,” Donaire told BBN. “Frampton achieving his dream is an inspiration to a lot of fighters; that’s the reward for working hard, sticking in there. I’m proud of him.
“They love Carl in Belfast, he’s a loveable guy, he’s just out there, says what he means and means what he says. Belfast is a big boxing place, it’s gonna be a lively atmosphere.”
Donaire, now focused on the latest chapter of his career back down at bantamweight and a next fight in the World Boxing Super Series against another Belfast hero, Ryan Burnett, was effusive in his praise for Frampton’s performance against him in the spring.
“He used his head more than I had seen on tape, it’s something I give him a big thumbs-up for,” Donaire added. “He could be very versatile and he was a very tricky guy. You look at tape and think, ‘I can take his movement,’ but it’s different when you’re in there. To get in the ring with Frampton, Luke Jackson has to be a top contender; it means he can fight. But Frampton is a smart guy; he can adapt to whatever style is in front of him.”
READ: CARL FRAMPTON; BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS