Barry McGuigan looks to push Carl Frampton to next level

Barry McGuigan sits still for just a moment in Belfast’s Europa Hotel as he contemplates his answer. 

A few hours later he will turn 54, but his birthday celebrations hinge on the performance of his protégé, Carl Frampton in what may turn out to be a career-making fight.

It is 30 years since McGuigan won and defended his world title. As WBA featherweight champion of the world in 1985, a year before his scarring loss to Steve Cruz in the burning Nevada desert, is this where he thought he’d end up — sitting in Belfast’s landmark hotel, promoting and managing the city’s own world champion?