Carl Frampton put on a very strong display tonight over a very game and still, at times, dangerous former Fighter of the Year in Nonito Donaire.

While Nonito is probably past his prime at this point to be fair – he showed just how much he had left particularly in round 7 – when he rocked the hometown man to his boots with a series of vicious uppercuts.

Frampton recovered however and overall, looked the stronger man over the twelve round duration as he rightfully took a unanimous points decision in the end tonight in Belfast.

Throughout the bout Frampton’s superior boxing was just enough to keep nicking the majority of the rounds but it was Donaire who looked the man with the more one punch power up at featherweight.

Frampton was fighting under new trainer Jamie Moore for the first time and the pairing proved the get both their game plan and conditioning work for the contest spot on.

Frampton’s counter punching was particularly adept at times during the bout. A fine boxing display.

Towards the end of the fight Frampton started to coast but he was reminded in round 11 of Donaire’s power who landed some eye-catching left hands.

Donaire pushed forward again in the twelfth and final round and landed the uppercut and hook again.

Frampton however poured on a huge attack in the closing seconds of the fight to ensure a fine contest was ended in exciting fashion.

An excellent fight and superb display from Carl Frampton.