Photo via Matchroom Boxing
On Saturday, Feburary 27, 2016, Carl Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) scored a 12-round split-decision victory against Scot Quigg (31-1-2, 23 KOs) to unify the IBF and WBA Super Bantamweight titles at the Manchester Arena in the U.K.
For American audiences, the fight was televised via Showtime Extreme.
Frampton, 29, was the favorite going into the fight, while Quigg, 27, sought to erase any doubts about his status as a world champion.
Neither fighter wanted to make a mistake in the early rounds, but as the rounds progressed, Frampton took control with a pawing jab and his superior footwork, which he was able to use to land combination shots around Quigg’s high guard.
Quigg could never seem to get his combinations off, though he landed the occasional right hand. Every time he wanted to let his hands go, Frampton easily stepped away.
In the later rounds, Quigg picked up the pace and began landing shots to the body.
Though it wasn’t the most exciting fight, Frampton’s talent allowed him to win with two scores of 116-112, while one judge scored it 115-113 for Quigg.
“I couldn’t believe it was a split,” said Frampton. “I don’t know what that lad was watching, but as long as I got my hand raised at the end of the fight, that’s the main thing.
“We have a great rivalry, and it was a great fight at the end. The start wasn’t great, but of course I would do it again. I’m happy to campaign at super bantamweight, but if a big fight comes calling at featherweight – Santa Cruz, Selby, any of these guys – I’m ready for them,” said Frampton.
I should have started faster,” said Quigg. “I felt comfortable and I thought I was winning the rounds because he wasn’t winning clear. I’m not going to complain. I want a rematch.”. Maybe next time I’ll start a bit earlier.”
What did you think of the decision? Would a rematch be any better?
Let us know in the comments section.
