Tomorrow night Belfast’s Carl Frampton (19-0, 13 KOs) defends his alphabet title against mandatory challenger Chris Avalos (25-2, 19 KOs). On paper Avalos may not be the toughest opponent Frampton has had to contend with, but this fight brings him pressure of a different sort.
Not only is Frampton a heavy favorite but he also fights live on terrestrial television. ITV is showing the fight, and it’s their first foray into boxing since Carl Froch vs. Jean Pascal in 2008. (Frampton vs. Avalos has also been picked up in the U.S., by AWE).
This gives Frampton, and boxing, a huge audience to impress. If the fight is poor or Frampton underperforms, boxing could return to its backseat here in the UK.
Avalos’ style is perfect for Frampton
Avalos is a hard-hitter but, aside from that punch power, he has shown little that should worry Frampton ahead of tomorrow’s bout.
This may mean that ‘The Jackal’s toughest test will be avoiding complacency. If he wants to truly invigorate the sport, however, he will be treating his challenger with full respect, looking to put on a masterclass.
Avalos’ style brings plenty of opportunity for Frampton to do just that. The American is guilty of swinging and having a high reliance on his power to wear down or knock out an opponent.
His chin can often be left in the air and he is yet to show the variance of skill-set to prove he can last the distance with an accomplished all-around fighter.
Frampton mixes boxing with punching well, and has shown a willingness and ability to trade on the inside when necessary. Against an aggressor like Avalos, however, expect Frampton to box and move, time his man coming in and attempt to gradually wear him down.
UK boxing on Frampton’s shoulders
Realistically, it’s hard to predict anything other than a comfortable Frampton win. Avalos has been beaten twice before and his aforementioned style will leave him open for Frampton’s rapid and accurate punch combinations.
Should this be the case Frampton must not get comfortable. Now more than ever before he should be looking to leave an indelible mark on the minds of those watching. Boxing on UK television may well depend on it.
ITV have agreed to showcase tomorrow night’s fight though there is no commitment beyond that, meaning a future deal could hinge on Frampton’s performance. An easy points decision is unlikely to inspire but a stunning knockout, resplendent display of punching or a grinding battle will leave the fans, and ITV, wanting more.
Frampton has the raw ingredients to become a star. Indeed, he already is in Northern Ireland. He could well be the next face of UK boxing too, with a potential super fight with Englishman Scott Quigg on the horizon.
Tomorrow night, Frampton can set those wheels in motion. A good performance could inspire ITV to show more boxing in future, with Frampton as their poster boy. When he steps into the ring Avalos will be there for the taking, but Frampton should have his eye on the bigger picture.
