Carl Frampton will face Kiko Martinez for the European and IBF
inter-continental super bantamweight titles on September 22 at the
Odyssey Arena in Belfast.
Belfast star Frampton puts his unbeaten record on the line as
well as his IBF belt as he welcomes the two-time European champ to
his hometown as he defends the belt for the second time in his
second stint as champion.
Frampton has defended his own Commonwealth strap in blockbuster
support slots in Nottingham under Carl Froch and Sheffield under
Kell Brook, and now the 25 year old is thrilled to be headlining
the biggest fight of his career in his own backyard.
"It's going to be a great fight and a great occasion and the
kind of big night that Belfast fans love," said Frampton. "I know
he's a great fighter but I believe that I will beat him."
"Kiko is an exceptional fighter, world class puncher and a good
chin but we are convinced Carl can win," said Barry McGuigan,
Frampton's manager. "We are certainly not underestimating him by
any means but I believe Frampton is better than him in every
department and he will show it on September 22."
Martinez added: "Frampton is a good fighter but I am the
champion and I will retain the belt."
There's a top class undercard on the night with Paul McCloskey
aiming to get back on track after his defeat to DeMarcus Corley in
May. Eamonn O'Kane won the Betfair all-Irish Prizefighter
tournament on the same bill in Belfast that night and he features
on the card, as does former British featherweight champion Martin
Lindsay and unbeaten flyweight prospect Jamie Conlan.
Team GB stars Scotty Cardle, Kal Yafai and Martin Ward are also
expected to continue their pro education in Belfast.
19/07/2012 22:04:35