By Terence Dooley

Carl “The Jackal” Frampton’s (23-1, 14 KOs) decision to split with long-time mentor Barry McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions went from rumour to reality via a statement released on social media yesterday, and a fellow Northern Irish former world titlist believes that the 30-year-old should team up with Eddie Hearn.

Dave “Boy” McAuley defended the IBF World flyweight title five times between 1989 and 1991, the 56-year-old has told the former IBF and WBA World Super-bantamweight, and WBA Super World featherweight holder that he can maximise his earnings over the next couple of years if he rejoins Hearn and Matchroom.

“I think Carl probably has about four super-fights in him and they could earn him £10m when you bring everything together—the gate receipts, television money and overseas television rights,” said McAuley when speaking to David Kelly of the Belfast Telegraph. 

He added: “If I was in Carl Frampton's position I would sign up with Eddie and Barry Hearn.  I know that Carl and Eddie had some words in the past but for the Hearns that is water off a duck's back.  They're business people, they are there to make money for themselves and the fighter.

“I know how they operate because I worked for 12 years with them as a commentator.  They're a good bunch of people and they have shown that with Sky television they have the infrastructure to deliver the big fights.  They even deliver big opportunities for guys who are nowhere near the level of Carl Frampton, so what could they do for him?”

Frampton’s decision to handle his own destiny has led to conjecture that he will either manage and promote himself for future bouts or hand the reins over to an established name such as Hearn, Frank Warren or even the Matthew Macklin led MTK.  With Al Haymon directing the US side of things, it could even be the case that he decides to continue his American adventure in the hope of securing a final few money-spinning fights. 

Either way, the Frampton will want to put what has been a nightmare first half of 2017 behind him after losing to Leo Santa Cruz by majority decision in January, failing to make weight for his mooted WBC title eliminator against Andres Gutierrez last month, and then having the fight pulled the night before due to the Mexican suffering a freak injury while getting into the bath.  It means that he has only one losing outing under his belt in what many felt would be a key year in his fighting career.

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