For any overseas fighter it’s an arduous task to clinch fame and glory in the States. Expectations are high, and when most fight cards are only available through a pay-per-view package, performances have to be prodigious. The audience must know they are paying for not only a fight, but a talented figure who’s charisma and raw ability reminds them why they love the sport. It’s one reality to become a world champion, and another to become a star.
For IBF Super Bantamweight world champion Carl Frampton (19-0, 14 KOs), under the talented guidance of former Featherweight champion Barry McGuigan, he is another Irishman vying to become that household name.
It’s been simple for “The Jackal” in Britain, where a simmering rivalry with fellow Super Bantamweight Scott Quigg has taken it’s own course to being one of the most sought after bouts in Britain. His sharp, spearing jab and arsenal of lightning quick combinations has delighted fans, but can he replicate his support across the pond?
His Irish heritage brings it’s own set of stereotypes. The belief that a fighting mentality courses through their veins, and that hardship makes fighting a way of life. A stereotype nonetheless, individuals such as Andy Lee and Tyson Fury have gone on to embody them. Fury indulged fight fans with a live or die performance against Steve Cunningham at the historic Madison Square Garden.
After being floored in the second with a huge overhand right, he clambered off the canvas to earn a gutsy seventh-round knockout. It was remarkable that he survived the onslaught, but what struck a chord with the American people was his albeit poor attempt at singing Ricky Van Shelton’s “Keep It Between the Lines,” in the post-bout interview. Although he won’t be gaining a record deal any time soon, it reinforced to the American audience that he wanted to put on a unique show worth remembering.
Limerick’s Andy Lee has molded an identity as the underdog in major fights, which has earned him his American following. Down in Round 1 against John Jackson (20-2, 15 KOs), he mustered up a sensational right hook off the ropes to leave his opponent eating canvas.
One year later, against the highly tipped Peter Quillin, it looked inevitable after two knockdowns in the opening three rounds that he would lose his WBO world Middleweight belt he won a fight earlier against Matt Koborov, but battled back heroically to earn a split-decision draw.
But Frampton hasn’t yet, and doesn’t strike me as a character who will replicate these attributes, which appear to be the blueprint to garner American support. He has previously announced his disdain for trash talkers in the lead up to his fight with Chris Avalos in February, and has an abundance of skill which wouldn’t earn him the title of underdog.
The jury too is still out on whether fighting under the promotion of the mysterious Al Haymon will best suit Frampton after his stuttering debut bout with Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. However, after being knocked down twice in the first round, it almost diminishes the air of invincibility that Frampton had accumulated in earlier bouts.
Vulnerabilities are good in boxing, they give fighters multiple dimensions which make respective bouts exceedingly intriguing.
However, there is one road that the 28 year old must take to earn that stardom–fight the best and look exceptional doing it. It sounds like a very straight forward analysis, but there are a wealth of talented fighters in the division that possess the clout he needs to achieve the American dream.
Guillermo Rigondeaux is one of those talents. Regarded as one of the best amateur fighters of all time, his unequivocal aptitude makes him a compelling watch. The Ring Magazine boast him as No. 5 on their pound-for-pound rankings, meaning that conquering a fighter of this capacity can only elevate Frampton’s status.
Mexico’s Leo Santa Cruz, who’s growing stock as one of the most exciting stars in boxing, is a particular bout that would just as likely catapult Frampton to lofty heights. His come-forward mentality left fight fans breathless in a classic dust-up with fellow Mexican, Abner Mares just last weekend, and if matched with Frampton’s similar style, could produce another toe-to-toe war that would deliver a rapturous reaction.
It’s also imperative that Frampton stays active. He has an abundance of talent and only by showcasing his skills to an American audience regularly will he be honored with their support.
He must not follow in the footsteps of the heavy-handed Deontay Wilder, who after quashing many critics with a comfortable victory of Bermane Stirvene, has followed up with disappointing, low key-defenses against Eric Molina and the upcoming bout with Johan Duhaupas.
Another fight with somene of Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.’s caliber would be a gargantuan mistake for Frampton, because once he loses the interests of the U.S. fight fans, it will even be more arduous to reclaim it.
Despite not having that unique charisma of Fury, or underdog status of Lee, Frampton must not try to replicate those who have successfully exploded onto the American stage. If he stays true to himself, and lets his exciting boxing style flourish against the big names in the division regularly, for this likeable Irishman, stardom awaits.
All photos by Esther Lin
