CARL Frampton has pledged to knock-out Luke Jackson when they beginning trading leather instead of social media insults at Windsor Park on August 18.
Frampton was annoyed by Jackson’s comments that he “doesn’t do anything great” at the press conference to announce their fight and the relationship between the fighters has deteriorated since with the Australian claiming recently that two-weight world champion Frampton looked “sluggish and too heavy” in training.
Whether the insults are accidental or intentional, Frampton say Jackson keeps putting his foot in his mouth and he intends to put his fists there when they meet in Belfast. ‘The Jackal’ isn’t normally one for making predictions, but he intends to stop his unbeaten opponent at Windsor Park.
“Luke Jackson is someone who I’m expected to beat and the bookies have me a big favourite but I’m not paying too much attention to that,” said Frampton.
“He’s highly-ranked with the WBO, he’s undefeated, he’s a former Olympian and he’s a good, solid fighter. I believe if I go into the fight 100 per cent, even 90 per cent, I’ll beat Luke Jackson and that’s the difference.
“I’ve fought at the very high end of world professional boxing and he hasn’t done that yet and he’s going to see the difference on the night.”
He added: “I believe I’m going to knock Luke Jackson out on the 18th of August.
“It’s about being dedicated as a professional athlete and putting the hard work in. I’ve suffered a loss in my career but I’ve come back from it and I’m performing now better than I’ve ever performed in my life.”
Jackson (16-0) is the Oriental and Oceanic featherweight champion and feels Frampton is already looking ahead to a world title clash in the autumn and the possibility of a third fight with Leo Santa Cruz.
“I’ve seen some footage of Carl’s training, he still looks sluggish and bit heavy and it seems he is always on a plane going to places,” he said.
“They’re overlooking me, I’m just Luke Jackson from Australia who they are supposed to bowl over.
“I’m here in Sydney working my arse off. I can cause an upset and that is what I plan on doing.”
But Frampton countered by claiming his routine and weight is the same as it was in preparation for his recent performance against Nonito Donaire.
“I’ve heard from a reliable source – someone who has sparred him – that he thinks he’s a bit of a celebrity over there. There’s definitely a bit of arrogance about him but he’s only made things worse for himself,” he said.
“To clarify – I’m a similar weight to what I was at this stage of camp for the Nonito Donaire win. According to the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance, I’ve actually got 1.5kgs of extra muscle too, so I don’t need Jackson’s opinion.
“With regards to being on planes, I’ve always flown from Belfast to Manchester and back again for the training week. I did it ahead of beating Scott Quigg and I did it ahead of beating Leo Santa Cruz. He’s trying to make out I’m taking this lightly. I’m not.
“It’s just all a bit weird from him. It’s probably an attempt to play some kind of game – liking all my Tweets and then spouting off with insults. I’ve really no idea what he thinks it will achieve but it’s very weird.
“If I can get the opportunity to take any opponent out, I will do so but after this, I would love a highlight reel knockout of Jackson. He’s going to get it.”
