By Steve Kim
Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs) battled the game Horacio Garcia over ten rounds at the SSE Arena in Belfast this past weekend in what was a tougher-than-expected victory for the former two-time world champion.
After a strong start, he had to fight off the hard charging Mexican to earn a ten round unanimous decision.
It was Frampton's first bout with new trainer Jamie Moore and new promoter Frank Warren. It was also Frampton's first outing since he suffered his first loss in late January in his rematch with Leo Santa Cruz.
'The Jackal' remains one of the biggest names in the featherweight class.
Frank Espinoza, who manages WBO featherweight titlist Oscar Valdez, was an interested observer of Frampton's latest victory.
"Frampton remains one of the best fighters in the division and is always in very good fights. The fight with Garcia was another example of that. It was an exciting back-and-forth fight and anytime he steps into the ring it's always a big event. I think a fight between Oscar and Frampton would be one of the best fights that can be made in all of boxing in 2018 and it's something that we certainly want to look at for the upcoming year," said Espinoza.
He continued - "Oscar has been a champion for a few fights now, Frampton I'm sure wants to regain a title and it's a great match-up of styles."
Valdez (23-0, 19 KO's) won the WBO crown in July of 2016 by blasting out Matias Rueda for the vacant title and has since made three successful title defenses. His last fight was on September 22nd as he went the twelve round distance against Genesis Servania.
According to Espinoza, his client could be returning to the ring around March.
"Regardless, I want to really explore the possibility of a Frampton fight," said Espinoza. "I think it's a can't miss fight for everybody involved."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
