Carl Frampton misses weight ahead of WBC eliminator fight with Andres Gutierrez

Frampton has missed weight, meaning the contest is no longer a WBC eliminator

Frampton has missed weight (Getty)

Carl Frampton has apologised after he weighed in 1lb over the 126lb featherweight limit ahead of his fight with Mexico’s Andrés Gutiérrez at the SSE Arena in Belfast tonight.

After exceeding the weight limit, the contest will no longer be a WBC title eliminator for Frampton, although the status of the bout remains unchanged for his opponent.

That means Gutiérrez will still face WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. as a mandatory title challenger should he prevail against Frampton.

Frampton will no longer be presented with that opportunity after failing to make weight.

“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,” Frampton said after missing weight.

“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.”

Frampton last fought in his native Belfast in 2015 (Getty)

Frampton is fighting for the first time since suffering a first career defeat, after he lost a split decision to Léo Santa Cruz in January.

He is meanwhile fighting in his native Belfast for the first time since February 2015, when he stopped Chris Avalos to retain his IBF super-bantamweight title.