Carl Frampton hopes a young Midland ABC boxer's Irish title success can act as inspiration for others to follow.
The Jackal has been vocal in his praise for Gary McComb following the talented fighter's Boy 3 National success last weekend.
The brilliant win saw Gary become the first Midland boxer since Frampton in 2008 to win an Irish title.
Read more: Carl Frampton hails young Belfast boxer live on air during Joyce-Zhang coverage
"Anyone watching Joyce-Zhang on BT Sport last Saturday will have heard me mention young Gary McComb. Gary boxes out of my old club, Midland, and last week won the Irish Boy 3 title at 44.5kg, beating a two-time Irish champion despite having had just four fights so far including one on a club show," former two-weight World champion Frampton told the Sunday Life.
"He got a bye in the County Antrims which qualified him for the All-Irelands, so to do that within four fights is incredible. It took me three goes and something in the region of 60 previous fights before I won an Irish title.
"This is the first Irish title for our club since 2008 and I think his success will inspire the other kids who train alongside him in Midland.
"I always keep in touch with Midland coach Cooper McClure, who has always spoken very highly of Gary.
"A rising tide lifts all boats and his win will hopefully help the others in the club see that it can be done.
"I hope Gary is very proud of his success but I don't think even he realises what a huge achievement this is."
Frampton gave young Gary a shout-out on BT Sport last Saturday night, saying: “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 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.”
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