Frampton Steps Up To Challenge For Martinez’s European Title

ByBoxing Press

Carl Frampton will challenge Kiko Martinez for the European Super Bantamweight title on September 10 at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

The fight will be the chief support bout on the Paul McCloskey vs. Breidis Prescott WBA Light Welterweight World title eliminator, and Frampton is confident he can wrestle the title from the Spaniard in just his 11th pro contest.

“I’ve wanted this fight for a long time and I believe 100 per cent that I will beat Kiko,” said Frampton. “He’s a dangerous fighter and a World class one but I believe that I am a World class fighter too and a massive hometown show is the perfect platform for me to prove it.

“It’s going to be a great occasion and I’m so excited to be fighting at the Odyssey Arena. I’m sure it will be a sell-out and the support I’ll get will push me even harder against a top quality opponent.”

Martinez won the European title in April with a tenth round knockout of Jason Booth in Madrid, the third time he has held the belt that he first won with a stunning first round stoppage over Bernard Dunne in Dublin.

Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan admitted that Martinez represents a step up in quality for his hot prospect, but believes his 24 year-old charge will respond with his best performance since joining the pro ranks in June 2009.

“There are risks attached to any fight you take but we’re confident and convinced that Carl will beat Kiko,” said McGuigan. “Kiko is a World class operator who can box, punch and take a shot and we’ve got great respect for him coming to Belfast to defend his title. He’s fought in hostile territory before and come out on top, but I firmly believe that Carl will take his title.

“It’s a massive occasion for Carl as a Belfast boy and it’s going to be a fabulous night. You have two breathtaking big fights that are going to be great to watch so it’s a hot ticket and everyone going will be in for a treat.”

Tickets for Paul McCloskey vs. Breidis Prescott plus a full championship undercard led by Carl Frampton vs. Kiko Martinez are on sale now priced at £30-£200 (tickets may be subject to service charge) and available from the Odyssey Arena Box Office on 02890 73 9074, Ticketmaster 0844 277 4455 (24 hour).

Tickets are also available in person from the Odyssey Arena Box Office, at Ticketmaster outlets, and online from www.ticketmaster.ie.