Carl Frampton’s dominant 10-round decision win over previously undefeated Tyler McCreary was bittersweet in one aspect — the former champion is facing more of the same hand fracture issues that kept him sidelined for most of 2019.
Despite the layoff, Frampton showed no stamina issues in relentlessly assaulting McCreary’s body en route to several knockdowns and not losing a round on any scorecard. However, Frampton revealed in the post-fight interview that he likely fractured his left hand in the second round. Leading up to last Saturday, Frampton also revealed he suffered two additional fractures in training camp.
Those three injuries followed the initial freak accident that sidelined Frampton four months earlier. Just days before an August bout against Emmanuel Dominguez, Frampton had to withdraw after a hotel lobby ornament fell directly on his left hand, fracturing the fifth metacarpal.
The next fight on the horizon would be Frampton challenging for Jamel Herring’s WBO super featherweight title. Both guys are enthusiastic to make the bout as evident by the joint photo-op with their promoter Bob Arum.
On paper, the lingering health question revolves around the severity of Frampton’s latest hand injury. Although hand fractures usually fall between a 2-6 week recovery time, the recurring nature of the problem (three fractures over the course of one camp/fight) makes it feasible the Jackal will have this nagging injury for the rest of his career.
Even hampered by a vulnerable lead hand, Frampton had the class to dominate against a lesser talent in Tyler McCreary. But that approach could prove costly against a slick and naturally bigger fighter in Herring.
On the bright side, it’s not unprecedented to see championship-level fighters have prolonged success despite brittle hands. Paulie Malignaggi is the poster child for this having won titles in two weight classes. And if the thudding power from Frampton’s body shots against McCreary is any indication, the Irishman has a high pain tolerance.
At press time, news on the extent of Frampton’s latest injury has not been disclosed.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 