Carl Frampton: The Rise of Saudi Influence, Fight with IShowSpeed and the Brutal Business of Boxing

This week we’re delighted to welcome Carl Frampton to the show. Our second dive into boxing is long overdue. A legend in the sport and Ring Magazine’s ‘Fighter of the Year’ in 2016, Carl was the first Northern Irishman to win world titles in two weight classes. But there’s far more to Carl than his success in the ring. This was our chance to explore what life looks like for a top-class fighter, and how the business of boxing works from the athlete’s perspective. Saudi investment has elevated prize money and fight quality, fixing some of the sport’s historic flaws. From promotion mismanagement to brand-building and commercial opportunity, Carl’s story spans both past and present. Now a top media voice and business builder — including his own whiskey brand — Carl gives us a look inside a sport re-establishing itself as a global entertainment force. Whether you’re a Carl fan or just curious about boxing’s inner workings, this one’s for you. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:02 Training and Diet for Changing Weight Class 07:58 Getting into Pro Boxing 09:46 The First Paycheck 10:59 Why Boxing is a Horrible Business 15:52 Is Being a Great Fighter Enough Today? 18:05 What Happens When a Champion Loses? 22:12 What’s Real in Fight Build-Up? 23:47 Why Don’t Lighter Weight Divisions Get Heavyweight Hype? 25:19 Fighting Friends and Foes 26:35 Why Carl Didn't Capitalise on Being Champion 28:36 Are Modern Fighters Too Distracted to Win? 30:19 On Training Camps 33:44 Is Boxing Too Brutal for the Future? 36:39 How Did You Handle the Money from Boxing? 39:25 How Saudi Influence Is Reshaping Boxing 43:54 Influencer Boxing: Boost or Blight for the Sport? 52:26 Is Commentating a Good Business? 53:55 Adjusting to Life Outside the Ring 56:51 Is It Time to Modernise Boxing Judging? 59:41 Quick-Fire Round --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On today’s show we discuss: 1. Boxing Industry: A Good Place to be? Why is professional boxing considered by Frampton to be a “crooked” and exploitative business? What happened in Carl Frampton’s legal dispute with Barry McGuigan, and what does it reveal about fighter vulnerability? Is the real danger in boxing the fights themselves, or the hundreds of rounds of sparring in training camps? What can be done at the coaching level to reduce head trauma and protect fighters? Business of Boxing: How does a fighter’s earning potential evolve from early career to world championship level? What role do management structures play in limiting or enabling endorsement and sponsorship deals? Why did Frampton earn more from sponsorships after leaving his initial management, even without a world title? Why is building a brand now essential for boxers to reach the top commercially? Who are the best and worst examples of fighters whose success (or lack thereof) was defined by branding? 2. Changing World of Boxing: How has Saudi Arabia, and specifically Turki Al-Alshikh, changed the boxing landscape? Why are previously impossible matchups now becoming reality, and how did the Saudi-backed model enable this? Does influencer boxing help or hurt the sport overall? How are fighters like Jake Paul impacting the visibility and pay of other boxers, especially women? Is jealousy among traditional boxers driving backlash against influencer fights? 3. Fighter Psychology & Motivation: How did Frampton’s mindset evolve through his career, and did he ever truly enjoy boxing? Why did he set a retirement age early on, and how did that shape his choices in the ring? What motivates fighters to retire and then return and is it often driven by financial pressures? How are fighters like Jake Paul impacting the visibility and pay of other boxers, especially women? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A huge thank you to our amazing partner on the show: Revolut Click the link below to sign up and get your £200 welcome bonus! https://get.revolut.com/z4lF/20VC --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1lD0eIj... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Follow Harry Stebbings on X:   / harrystebbings   Follow Charlie Stebbings on X:   / charliestebbs   Follow Carl Frampton on X:   / realcframpton   Follow Business of Sport on Instagram:   / bizofsport   Follow Business of Sport on TikTok:   / bizofsport   ---------------------------------------------------- #businessofsport #charliestebbings #carlframpton #boxer #boxingtraining #sport