Carl Frampton: Fight with Jamel Herring was going to be my last regardless of outcome

Carl Frampton announced his retirement following his loss last Saturday to Jamel Herring in Dubai, and had said ahead of time that if he didn’t win, he would be hanging up the gloves.

But the 34-year-old Frampton has revealed now that the fight was always going to be his last one, no matter what happened. He posted a thank you statement on his Instagram where he said his family knew it was his last fight regardless of the outcome, and looked back on his career and ahead to the rest of his life with the typical class and grace Frampton has been known for during his boxing career.

Here’s the text of what Carl said:

“Only those closest to me know that win, lose, or draw with Jamel Herring, I was planning to retire. I made a promise to myself and to my wife and kids — the most important people in my life — that whatever the result, that was my last one.

“When I look back on my career I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined. Celtic, Commonwealth, and European titles; winning my first world title at home in a purpose-built arena; the sold-out nights defending that title at the Odyssey; unifying a division; defeating a top 10 pound-for-pound guy; winning a title in a second division against the odds; Ring magazine Fighter of the Year; MBE; and fulfilling a dream by fighting and winning in front of a packed Windsor Park.

“For me, though, my biggest career achievement has been my fan base and support. I can’t express how thankful I am to the army of fans who made those nights in the Odyssey so atmospheric. The 16,000 that saw me win my first title at home on that special night. The 15,000 who traveled to Manchester the night we took over and I unified. And the thousands who traveled to the States to watch me fight a great champion in Leo Santa Cruz.

“As a fighter, the support has been my biggest and proudest accomplishment. The outpouring of respect I have received since my defeat to Herring has been immense and I thank all who have said kind words to me. They fill me with a huge sense of pride.

“None of this would have been possible without the support of my beautiful wife Christine and my amazing children, Carla and Rossa. Christine has made sacrifices that I am eternally grateful for; giving up on her own aspirations to allow me to fulfill mine, supporting me financially at the start when I had nothing, and supporting me emotionally throughout my career without ever asking for anything in return. I owe her so much and now I would love to help her chase her own dreams.

“As much as my family, I cannot forget the people, city, and nation that I have come from. My sense of belonging, my roots and the community have always uplifted me and given me so much. It is my turn now to repay some of that and to take on the new challenge of helping others as they have helped me in the past.

“I was seven years old when I joined the Midland/White City ABC and I learned early on that resilience and determination was the only difference between me and the many other kids who I lost to growing up as a young amateur. So to anybody out there chasing dreams: If you want it enough, you can get it.

“Thank you to my Mum and Dad, to Billy McKee, to Cooper McClure, to Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, to MTK Global, to Ben Pilbeam and thinkBeyond Talent, to everyone that has supported me and played a part in my career over the last 27 years, big or small, and the biggest thank you to my wife Christine and children Carla and Rossa. You will always come first.”

Once again, we send all our best to Carl Frampton as he embarks on the rest of his life, may it be healthy and happy.