Carl Frampton: New York, Las Vegas and Belfast - the fights that made Frampton
By Michael MorrowBBC Sport NI
Last updated on
Carl Frampton called time on his career with a professional record of 28-3
So, it was not to be.
The missed opportunity to become Ireland's three-weight world champion will hurt Carl Frampton, perhaps it always will.
But the dust will settle. And when it does, a career that twice reached boxing's summit will make for a pleasant picture whenever Frampton chooses to reflect.
Three-weight world champion would have been sensational, but two-weight world champion is, on balance, pretty good too.