Carl Frampton vs. Scott Quigg: Latest Comments, Fight Odds and Prediction

A belt unification is on the line between WBA super-bantamweight champion Scott Quigg and IBF king Carl Frampton when the pair come head-to-head at Manchester Arena on Saturday, 27 February 2016.

The much-anticipated matchup sees Quigg, with a career record of 31-0-2, including 23 knockouts, take on favourite for the fight Frampton, who arrives with a 21-0-0 career history having claimed 14 knockouts, per the Telegraph's Sean Gibson.

Much has been said by both camps in the build-up to the fight, with Frampton previously questioning his upcoming opponent's intellect, per Dev Trehan of Sky Sports. 

"His lack of intelligence outside of the ring reflects on how he fights inside the ring," he commented. "He has that down as one of his strengths but I have it down as one of his weaknesses.

Quigg, meanwhile, labelled Frampton his "enemy" during their three-city media tour in November, per Sky Sports. Quigg stated: "As a person, a family man, I have all the respect for him. But at this moment he's my opponent, and he's going to try and stop me becoming what I want to become."

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, part of Team Quigg, understands the significance of the two men finally facing-off after years of negotiation:

Former world champion Kiko Martinez, a man who has suffered defeat at the hands of both fighters, believes Frampton’s all-round ability will prove telling in the outcome of the bout. Per Sky Sports’ Stephen Turner, he said: "Frampton will win against Quigg. He's the more complete boxer. He is stronger as well."

Another sub-plot to the in-ring action has been the verbal spat between both teams’ trainers over the course of the promotion. Trainer Shane McGuigan, son of former WBA featherweight champion Barry, believes rival Joe Gallagher has shown a lack of respect to his father, after comments surfaced on Monday. 

Gallagher questioned McGuigan Jr.'s skills as a trainer, claiming he took undue credit for Frampton's development. He told Isaac Robinson of Sky Sports: "There's a rivalry. It's not on my part. There's a lot of smoke and fanfare around Shane McGuigan obviously because he's the son of Barry McGuigan.

"The jury is still out on him as a trainer. I was a bit disappointed about the article where he tried to take all the credit for all the work that has been done with Carl over the years. He tried to take away what [Frampton's former trainer] Gerry Storey had done with him."

However, Barry's son hit back, telling Sky Sports' Robinson: "I respect Scott as a fighter and so does dad. Whether we respect Joe Gallagher and Eddie Hearn is questionable.

Peter Morrison/Associated Press

Shane McGuigan continued:

"

It's probably likewise for them but when you've got a guy like dad, who's been in the game and established himself and brought fans into boxing, to have them continuously try and down-play him is insulting. 

There is a lot of animosity. Carl has his history with Matchroom too. There's definitely a lot of behind-the-scenes begrudgery but it's a business at the end of the day and we won't let that affect us on the night.

"

Here are the latest and best odds for what is expected to be a classic encounter. All odds provided by OddsShark (Accurate at 12:15pm GMT)

Scott Quigg	+155
Carl Frampton	-175

Prediction

The 12-round fight between the two unbeaten boxers is being labelled as a “50/50” encounter, per Joel Pattison of Read Boxing, but Frampton will prevail and claim the unified belts.

Despite standing three inches shorter than Bury-born Quigg, per Boxrec, 28-year-old Frampton’s arsenal of punches, solid chin and overall stamina should prove pivotal in what is widely expected to be an intimidating atmosphere near his opponent's home town. Frampton is particularly economical with his punches, typically using his jab to set up direct right hands or left hooks. 

Four out of the Quigg's last five fights haven’t lasted longer than three rounds, while three of Frampton’s last five encounters haven’t gone past round five with two being decided via unanimous decision, per Pattison. This information shows how important concentration will be for both corners, particularly in the opening stages.

Despite Quigg’s 70 per cent knockout ratio bettering Frampton’s 67 percent, per Ian Palmer of sportsbetlistings.com, the IBF champion is more comfortable leading the attack. While Quigg possesses arguably more power than his competitor and a height advantage of three inches, per Gibson, Frampton is the favourite in what is a tightly set fight.