Carl Frampton homecoming party to take place this Friday

Northern Ireland's world champion boxer is to be formally welcomed home in Belfast.

Carl Frampton fans are invited to gather at the City Hall on Friday 12th of August.

It's a chance for supporters to show their support for The Jackal after his recent WBA World Featherweight victory in New York.

Organisers say it's on a first come first served basis and starts at 6pm - however local fighters will be holding demonstrations in the grounds from 4.30pm.

The Tigers Bay man himself is looking forward to the event. He said:

“I am honoured that the city of Belfast is hosting a homecoming event for me. I’m a working-class lad from Belfast and I’m delighted that I’ll be able to celebrate my World title win with the people of this great city.”

The Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston, said:

“The whole city wants to pay tribute to a fantastic fighter who is a role model not just for his sport but for sport in general and what it can contribute in life skills and opportunity.

“He is hard working, determined, focused and a first-class ambassador for Belfast – he never forgets where he comes from and often pays tribute to it and its people. At Friday’s event our people can pay their own well-deserved tribute to him – an extraordinary champion and an even more extraordinary man who has his roots firmly planted at home.

“Congratulations to Carl, his family and his support team – you have made everyone so proud and now we want to show how proud we are of you,” added the Lord Mayor.

Meanwhile Communities Minister Paul Givan added his own congratulations and said:  

“Through his historic win over Santa Cruz, Carl has once again put Northern Ireland on the sporting map.  Thousands of boxing fans from here travelled to New York to witness his remarkable win, whilst tens of thousands cheered him on from back home.  This is testament to the high esteem and affection that people have for The Jackal.

"I was keen for an event to be staged as soon as possible once Carl came home to mark his success so that all fans could come together to celebrate his success.  I trust it will be a great occasion.”