Carl Frampton pays tribute to Alejandro Gonzalez Jr, former opponent found dead in Mexico

The Northern Irishman will remember the late super-bantamweight as 'one of the nicest guys' he shared the ring with

Carl Frampton fighting Leo Santa Cruz earlier this year; Frampton was one of the first to pay tribute to Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. after his death (Getty)

Carl Frampton led the tributes to Alejandro Gonzalez Jr, who was found dead on Friday morning near his home in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The two boxers met in July of last year in Frampton’s first fight in America, with Frampton winning on points to retain his IBF super-bantamweight title. Nonetheless, a healthy mutual respect prompted the Northern Irishman to mourn the death of his former opponent.

“Just hearing the tragic news about Alejandro Gonzalez jr,” he wrote. “One of the nicest guys I've shared a ring with. RIP Champ.”

Frampton’s wife Christine joined her husband in paying tribute to the late boxer: “Absolutely heartbreaking news about the passing of Alejandro Gonzalez jr. Spoke at length with him in El Paso about our families. So sad.”

Tim Smith, vice president of communications for Premier Boxing Champions, described Gonzalez Jr. as “a fantastic boxer with a bright future.”

Gonzalez was discovered shot dead in a car near his house on Friday.