Jonathan Rea has hailed Carl Frampton following the Belfast boxer's retirement, and revealed one of his own standout memories was attending the Jackal's Windsor Park fight back in 2018.
Frampton called time on his glittering career last month, retiring as one of only three Irish boxers to win world titles in two different weight divisions.
The 34-year-old fought Luke Jackson at Belfast's Windsor Park stadium in the summer of 2018 in front of 25,000 fans, in what was a dream come true for the Tigers Bay man.
"Carl has done incredibly well, not only for Northern Ireland but for boxing," said six-time World Superbike champion Rea.
"He was incredible to watch. One of the landmark memories I have is being at Windsor Park for his big fight.
"That was one of his dreams to fight there, and to be there and see that atmosphere was amazing.
"I always made sure to watch him fighting, and I admire him as an athlete and as a person. I don't know him personally, but he seems a super nice dude.
"And he's quite similar to myself in that he has a young family and enjoys that side of life as well."
Rea - who embarks on another World Superbike season at Aragon on May 21 - added: "We are involved in two very different sports, but when you get them wrong they can give you a hiding, so maybe they aren't too different.
"I have sent Carl messages when he's done well, or wished him luck before his fights. And more recently when he retired.
"I watched a documentary on him recently for his last fight, and I thought it was amazing how open he was and how much access he gave the cameras.
"It gave you a really good insight into what he went through."
