TOMORROW NIGHT’S FIGHT at the SSE Arena in Belfast will no longer serve as a WBC title eliminator for Carl Frampton, as he missed his weight earlier today.

The Belfast native weighed in at 1lb over the 126lb featherweight limit ahead of his hometown bout with Mexican boxer Andrés Gutiérrez.

If Gutiérrez wins, he will still meet WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr as a mandatory challenger for the belt, but ‘The Jackal’ has voided that opportunity after today’s weigh-in.

“After a long training camp of intense preparation and trying to make weight, I was disappointed that I came in 1lb over the featherweight limit,” the former two-weight champion tweeted afterwards.

“I tried everything I could to cut down, but unfortunately, my body just wouldn’t allow it in the end.

“I’d like to apologise to the fans that have got involved and shown incredible support throughout this frantic fight week, and to those that will be cheering me on to victory on Saturday night.

“Furthermore I would like to apologise to my opponent Andres Gutierrez – who will still have the opportunity to win the WBC eliminator on Saturday.

“I’m gutted, but at the same time I acknowledge that I am responsible. I’m still very much looking to returning home tomorrow night in front of the best fans in the world.”

“I am sure that I will put on an explosive performance and claim victory. Thanks again to the Jackal Army — the turnout today was unbelievable!”

Tomorrow’s fight will be the 30-year-old’s first contest since his professional debut defeat to Leo Santa Cruz in Las Vegas in January.

Frampton is still heavily-favoured to win tomorrow — his first in Belfast since his 2015 victory over Chris Avalos.

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