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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Carl Frampton hails young Belfast boxer live on air during Joyce-Zhang coverage

Carl Frampton has hailed a young Belfast boxer as being "the future" after giving him special praise live on BT Sport.

Youngster Gary McComb became Midland ABC's first Irish champion since Frampton in 2008 when he won the Boy 3 National Championship 44.5kg title at the weekend.

It was a brilliant performance from McComb who follows in the footsteps of the former two-weight world champion.

Read more: Noel Hanna tributes paid as Ulster Rugby coach remembers 'inspirational' figure

Frampton was working as a pundit for BT Sport on Saturday night for Joe Joyce's shock defeat to Zhilei Zhang at the Copper Box Arena in London.

And during the live coverage he gave McComb a shout-out after his Irish title victory.

Frampton said on air: “Now this is a little bit off topic and maybe a little bit unprofessional but I did say to Buncey (Steve Bunce) I was going to do it.

Young Gary McComb celebrates his Irish title win at the weekend (Midland ABC Facebook)

“Young Gary McComb from my club Midland ABC has just won the first Irish title since 2008.

“I was the last man to do it (for Midland) so this lad is the future. So well done Gary.”

BT Sport boxing pundit Bunce added: “That’s how we finish a show."

And presenter Paul Dempsey added, “It’s a slightly more upbeat way to finish the show", reflecting on heavyweight hopeful Joyce's shock loss.

Gary McComb and Carl Frampton (Twitter: @RealCFrampton)

Meanwhile, Midland said on their Facebook page: "A massive congratulations to Gary McComb the NEW B3 44.5kg All Ireland Champion.

"An absolute smashing performance from Gary today winning his final on a 3/2 split decision."

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