Carl Frampton vs Scott Quigg: Frampton training with David Haye and George Groves
Thursday 14 January 2016 12:17, UK
Carl Frampton is confident the influence of gym-mates David Haye and George Groves can help him overcome Scott Quigg.
The IBF world super-bantamweight champion faces WBA holder Quigg on Sky Sports Box Office on February 27 and with both Haye and Groves having recently joined Shane McGuigan's gym, Frampton has been lifted by the atmosphere surrounding his preparations.
The 28-year-old from Belfast told Sky Sports News HQ: "We're all feeding off each other with David Haye and George Groves, who've fought at the highest level. It's good to have big names and big personalities around the gym.
I enjoy that environment of training. I think I perform better when there are people like that around in the gym, watching me spar.
"I enjoy that environment of training. I think I perform better when there are people like that around in the gym, watching me spar. It's good to have those guys around.
"I'm feeling good, sharp. It's a great fight and it's been brewing for so long. It's been talked about for four years. I'm excited about being on Box Office. I've only had 21 fights but I'm an established world champion.
"Scott Quigg is a very good fighter and it's got all the ingredients. I think it's one to tune into because it's going to be explosive but there's only one winner.
"Every session I do, I'm focused on Scott Quigg. I think he's an improved fighter but in every single department I'm slightly ahead of him. The atmosphere could play a big part. Let's see how he reacts."
Both Frampton and Quigg remain unbeaten but turned in contrasting performances in their last defences. Frampton had to haul himself up from the canvas to outpoint Alejandro Gonzalez Jr, while Quigg was emphatic in stopping Kiko Martinez in the second round.
Frampton is adamant that those fights, which took place on the same night, have actually benefited him in securing the long-awaited showdown with Quigg while teaching him valuable lessons.
He added: "You need to be clever. I could easily get drawn in and have an all-out war but I'll do what it takes to win the fight. We have a game plan and if I stick to the game plan, there's only one winner.
"There are always improvements to make. I feel like I'm getting better. It was a blessing in disguise, being put down. The Quigg camp have seen weaknesses. I'll be able to sort that out on the night and again, there's only one winner.
"To get Kiko Martinez away inside two rounds, you have to give him credit. It was a guy that I'd already knocked out but take nothing away from Scott. It will boost his confidence and hype the fight even more but I know what I can do.
"I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I'm excited."
