Ricky Hatton believes Carl Frampton has what it takes to become a three-weight world champion on Saturday night when the Belfast man tackles Jamel Herring for the American’s WBO Super-Featherweight crown in Dubai. Hatton, a former world champion in two weight classes, has long been an admirer of “The Jackal” and although he fancies Frampton to get the job done, he believes the fight is a well-matched affair.
"I think it's a 50/50," said Hatton to BBC Sport. "I remember seeing Herring in the ring with Carl in New York after the Santa Cruz fight [in 2016], and he looked two weights above Carl, but Carl has the experience and the knowledge. How many times do you think that fighters have had better days, and then they come back and put on the performance of their life?
"Maybe a lot of people will see Herring as being more fresh, and maybe Carl has probably had slightly better days. Obviously, he's lost to Josh Warrington, but no - I think he might just have one more round in him. Fingers crossed - he's a good man, Carl."
Frampton, who is aiming to add to his lofty gongs at Super-Bantamweight and Featherweight, will once again have Jamie Moore in his corner as he bids to add another successful chapter to his already remarkable story. Hatton, a close friend of the Salford trainer, insists the former fighter is a huge asset to have on fight night.
"If he didn't think Carl had a chance of winning this fight, he would tell him now because let's have it right - what more does Carl need to achieve? He's made his money; he's made his legacy, and he's said he's got the right man in the corner in Jamie Moore."