‘Boxing Has Been Very Good to Me, but It’s Been Bad Too’ – Carl Frampton Explains His Retirement

Northern Irish boxer Carl Frampton has been a mainstay in the super-bantamweight, featherweight, and super-featherweight divisions for the last decade. ‘The Jackal’ is a two-division world champion who has been in the ring for some of the best fights in the division.

Frampton took on Jamel Herring to become a three-division champion. However, the American took him apart, and as a result, Frampton announced his retirement from the sport. The former champion has now explained his decision.

The 28-3 boxer spoke to iFL TV and revealed the real reason he called time on his career. Frampton said, “I just can’t wait to see my wife and kids. Boxing has been very good to me, but it’s been bad too. And I’ve missed so much of my kids growing up.”

This comment showed the decision to retire was based on his personal life. The Northern Irishman then added, “There’s been times when my wife’s raised the kids, my kids, on her own because I’ve been away too long. I’ve missed important things as well, that I shouldn’t have missed.”

The former champion couldn’t sacrifice his family life anymore. He wanted to have a personal life and thus ‘Jackal’ hung up his gloves.

READ: What’s Next for Jamel Herring After Carl Frampton?

What does Carl Frampton mean when he says Boxing’s been bad to him?

With these comments, the 34-year-old made no secret of his struggles in the sport. And amid all the success, this is an aspect that fans do not see. So in what way has Boxing been bad for Frampton?

The Northern Irishman has won world titles in the super-bantamweight and featherweight. However, this success doesn’t come easy. In addition, his move to super-featherweight did not go to plan.

Making weight is a mentally and physically tiring process. And given Frampton has boxed at three different weight classes, it gives fans an insight into how hard he would have to work for every fight. In addition, he has done this for over ten years.

Moreover, losses in consecutive high-profile title fights against Leo Santa Cruz and Josh Warrington after grueling fight camps will have affected the former champion mentally. Thus, even though Frampton got a lot of success in the sport, it was not as smooth a journey.

What do you make of these comments from Carl Frampton? Do you think the former champion is right in calling it quits at 34?

 READ: All You Need to Know About Carl Frampton and His Wife Christine Frampton