The Ulster Unionist Party’s sports spokesperson, Leslie Cree MLA, had the honour of meeting Carl Frampton at Stormont at a reception held in Parliament Buildings to mark the Belfast boxer’s achievement in winning the IBF World Super Bantamweight champion at the Titanic boxing showdown last month.
North Down MLA Mr Cree said,
“I was delighted to meet Carl Frampton and to pass on my congratulations on his achievement in bringing the World Title to Belfast and to see at first hand his magnificent red and gold world title belt which he won in the defeat of Kiko Martinez for the IBF World Super Bantamweight Title.
“It is through his dedication, commitment and boxing ability that young sportsmen like Carl can lead the way and act as role models to other young people interested in the sport.
“His manager Barry McGuigan and his son Shane - Carl’s trainer - are also to be praised for their success in keeping boxing to the forefront of sporting achievement in Northern Ireland.
“As a member of the Assembly’s Culture, Arts and Leisure committee I want to see local boxing clubs receive the investment they require in order to help our young local boxing talent realise their sporting ambitions in the future.”