The intrigue surrounding Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton’s rivalry took a fascinating turn on July 18th and has perhaps shifted the balance of pulling power regarding any future mega-bout between the pair.
The Latest Results
Quigg, Bury’s WBA titlist, faced off against Kiko Martinez. The Spaniard is a two-time previous conquest of Frampton’s, being stopped once late and losing a unanimous decision in the return. Quigg was expected by many professionals and armchair fans to struggle against the durable European fighter. What happened however, was a decimation. Two rounds was all he required to break down Martinez in explosive fashion. Indeed, if this was a measuring stick to compare both Brits, then Quigg certainly gained some yards!
Across the globe in Texas, Carl Frampton made his American debut. Underwhelming is a word normally banded about by harsh reporters or critical pundits, but the purest sense of the word was captured during the opening round of this contest. Put down twice by Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. in the opener and with trouble making the weight, Frampton took a while to warm to the occasion before comfortably winning on points to defend his IBF title. Two points deducted from Gonzalez Jr. certainly helped ease any tension in the Northern Irishman’s camp.
With talks of a huge domestic showdown, £1.5 million on offer and TV/venue arguments ongoing, it is interesting to assess the landscape of the mega-fight after the goings on last weekend. Who is truly the biggest draw? The better fighter? The boss during negotiations? And when shall we see this constant conversation turn to fruition bringing two men between the ropes?
Where do Quigg & Frampton Stand Today?
The Jackal, Northern Ireland’s Frampton, has long been considered the more elite boxer of the two. But rumors of a shift in weight, his double knockdown and his seemingly distant approach to negotiations have tainted his reputation as the superior party. Still unbeaten and carrying plenty of power at the weight, Frampton has developed high level boxing ability and a willingness to adapt his game plan if faltering.
A vital member of the Joe Gallagher stable, Quigg is recognized as the hardest trainer in the gym. A young man so dedicated he appears to tread the line between being trained and over-trained. With his power constantly improving and his incomparable engine, he has consistently narrowed the gap between himself and his rival in perception of the boxing public. Also unbeaten, the general consensus is that Quigg emerged last week’s bout as the head-to-head victor, performing extraordinarily!
Quigg has a work rate that Frampton has never faced previously. Arguably Frampton has power and boxing ability that Quigg has yet to come up against. The big stain on Quigg up to this point in each man’s career is his comparative lack of quality competition. The win over Martinez changes that perception a bit, but again, Frampton has been there, down that, twice.
The fact remains that neither man has been suitably challenged. Neither man has been beaten. And more tellingly, neither has come up against an opponent who can mimic the other’s style. I feel a massive part of boxing, especially when accounting for cutting weight, is avoiding taking damage. Quigg has yet to be hurt in a fight. He has always boxed comfortably and has never been down. Frampton, although a tremendous boxer and a future Northern Irish great, has just been put down twice in a round.
That sign of vulnerability leads me to side with Quigg at this stage. Perhaps a less popular option, especially with bookmakers, but I feel he has a fresher look every time he steps on the canvas, he is nonstop. Quigg has only one gear and under that sort of constant pressure I believe Frampton would suffer. It is undoubtedly a fight we need to see. A close contest which could easily go either way but following from last week… I am officially siding with Scott Quigg.
