## Carl Frampton Speaks Out on Health Fears, Career Fortunes and Fallout with Former Mentor
Carl Frampton, one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated boxing champions, has shed light on his mounting apprehensions regarding his long-term neurological health post-retirement. Frampton, who carved out a remarkable legacy by becoming the first person from his country to claim world titles in multiple weight divisions, recently discussed the realities facing professional fighters once their careers in the ring come to an end.
In a candid interview earlier this year, Frampton expressed that the risks associated with a career in professional boxing have only recently caught up with him. “I have been to see specialists to check my brain and ensure there is no deterioration,” he revealed. He now undergoes regular annual check-ups, a practice fuelled by the prevalence of degenerative brain conditions among former boxers. Frampton admitted he expects to be affected eventually, hoping, “I’m just hoping it’s when I’m 75 and not 50.”
Frampton’s success in the ring is undisputed. His trophy cabinet holds distinctions like the WBA (Super) super bantamweight title, the IBF super bantamweight belt, and the WBA (Super) featherweight crown. He was a recipient of numerous Fighter of the Year accolades from respected institutions including The Ring and ESPN. These triumphs secured Frampton millions in earnings and considerable recognition on the world stage.
Yet, boxing’s inherent risks are hard to ignore. While Frampton is grateful to be among those who have emerged with stable finances and no early signs of trauma, his story is a stark reminder of what could await others in the profession. “You know there’s a risk… if you sat there and thought about it, you know you’re in a dangerous sport,” he said, noting the general tendency among fighters to suppress such thoughts during their careers. With hindsight, Frampton admits to possible mistakes, such as engaging in unnecessarily tough sparring sessions and focusing too much on winning over audiences rather than self-preservation in the ring.
Financially, Frampton is believed to have accumulated a net worth in excess of £1 million, though the exact current figure remains uncertain. Peak purses during his career sometimes exceeded seven figures for headline bouts, but Frampton has been open about the hefty share lost to management, trainers, tax, and essential expenses. In practical terms, the headline figures often evaporate, leaving less than anticipated for the athletes themselves.
Beyond financial gains and his battle-worn body, Frampton’s story is also defined by a protracted feud with Barry McGuigan—a former idol turned bitter adversary. The partnership between Frampton and McGuigan, who promoted Frampton through Cyclone Promotions, began as a close-knit and successful arrangement. Under their banner, Frampton captured his world titles and found both mentorship and friendship within the McGuigan family.
This relationship, however, was irreparably damaged in 2017 following the cancellation of a fight and Frampton’s departure for rival promotional stable MTK Global. The move triggered a legal wrangle over unpaid earnings, which concluded with an out-of-court settlement in 2020. Both parties were left disappointed, with Frampton later suggesting he felt exploited and McGuigan distraught over the breakdown of what he once considered a familial bond. The boxer has reflected in his autobiography that his respect for McGuigan was deeply affected, writing, “It was pretty sour in the end… I think the relationship’s dead, it will always be dead.”
Reflecting on his journey, Frampton also highlighted the importance of wider safety reforms in the sport. He believes that improvements in weight management and nutrition can reduce the prevalence of serious injuries, particularly as aggressive weight-cuts and rapid rehydration remain widespread. He also challenged assumptions that protective headgear provides meaningful protection against brain trauma.
As Frampton settles into life outside of boxing—having passed his time by writing a memoir and contributing as a boxing pundit—his story has prompted discussion on the less glamorous realities facing those who wage battle in the ring. While championships, feuds and fame litter his past, Frampton’s most enduring message could be the need for vigilance over the long-term welfare of fighters, and the value of honesty about the toll taken by years spent trading blows for glory.
The trajectory of Carl Frampton’s life underscores a universal dilemma facing modern boxing: how to balance the pursuit of sporting excellence with the imperative of safeguarding those at its heart. His openness shines a light on both the triumphs and the costs, serving as a warning and a call for change in one of the world’s most punishing sports.