Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing are delighted to announce they have teamed up with Top Rank to help explore opportunities for the IBF Super Bantamweight mandatory challenger Chris Avalos.
An exemption was given to champion Kiko Martinez to fight Carl Frampton in Belfast this weekend on the understanding that the winner will face IBF number one ranked Avalos within 90 days.
“There are lucrative opportunities for Chris Avalos within the division, particularly on this side of the pond,” said Hearn. “We’ll be working closely with Carl Moretti and Top Rank on Chris’ challenge for the IBF title against the winner of Kiko and Carl’s fight at the weekend.”
—
If Frampton wins, as most expect him to, then many were mentioning him in discussions with the likes of Leo Santa Cruz. However, taking care of a mandatory in the form of Chris Avalos would allow him to defend his belt at home, and presumably get some stateside television recognition to help build his name.
Since Matchroom is working with Top Rank and Avalos, it’s then possible that Frampton could be moved toward Guillermo Rigondeaux, as opposed to Santa Cruz. But that’s all speculation right now based on the above. First, we’ll see what happens this weekend.
