In front a packed house at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northen Ireland “The Jackal” Carl Frampton defeated the resilient Kiko Martinez to capture the EBU Super bantamweight Title and retain the IBF Inter-Continental Super Bantamweight title
Prior to the fight, the undefeated Frampton vowed to outbox Martinez, which he did. Frampton also stated in the later rounds he would up the tempo in search of a KO. He did just that in spectacular fashion.
Almost reminiscent of Marquez’s 6th round KO over Pacquaio last December, Frampton created a trap which Martinez fell for. Frampton stepped back creating distance to throw a hard right hand onto the oncoming Martinez. Despite being able to make it to his feet, the referee waved off the contest after Martinez appeared to have lost his bearings.
In the early-goings, Framption looked to pick his shots against the hard-hitting Martinez who appears to only know one route of direction; forwards. However, Martinez did have his moments. At times in the fight Martinez appeared to catch Frampton flush with some hard shots but Frampton kept about his business, even standing toe to toe with Martinez when required.
A fighter of Martinez’s reputation really acts as a measuring stick or gatekeeper to fellow fighters in his division. The win proved that “The Jackal” is a step above C+ fighters and will look to increase his stake in his next bout.
It was an impressive performance by the now 16-0, 11 KOs, Belfast fighter. Despite the bout only being his 16th professional contest, Frampton sold out a large arena in his hometown and will ultimately being looking forward to the next step in his career.
One possible fight that would be of huge interest is a possible showdown with interim WBA champion Scott Quigg. Quigg, who like Frampton is undefeated, was impressive in his last outing against Rendall Munroe in November 2012. The fight was on the undercard of the Hatton-Senchenko fight and will have done Quigg huge favors in his appeal to the public.
Carl Frampton, who is managed by countryman Barry McGuigan, stated after his win over Martinez a fight with Quigg is on his radar and claims the fight is more appealing to the British public then Tyson Fury vs. David Price. Promoter Eddie Hearn has already set aside a date of May 11th where they will look to get Frampton back between the ropes.
Scott Quigg also seemed keen on the idea of a British thriller with Frampton. “It’s going to happen,” stated Quigg, who continued that “the fight will definitely happen. I want it and he wants it. It’s got to happen – the public want it”.
Despite having an interim world title belt, should a potential fight with Frampton be on the horizon for Quigg the opportunity to perform and sell out a large arena in the UK may be to hard to resist for the Mancunian.
However, Eddie Hearn has spoken of the possibility of Frampton fighting the winner of Alejandro Romez vs. Jonathon Romero, who are fighting for the IBF Super Bantamweight title. Should “The Jackal” Frampton be able to secure a world title fight and possibly capture a world title, this should lead to a mouth watering contest between Quigg and Frampton.
With elite fighters in the division such as Nonito Donaire, Abner Mares and Guillermo Rigondeaux, the winner of this bout may be set for a crack at one of the big time fighters at Super Bantamweight.
