European Title On Line In Belfast For Martinez vs. Frampton

ByBoxing Press

Carl Frampton will face Kiko Martinez for the European and IBF inter-continental super bantamweight titles on September 22 at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast live on Sky Sports in ‘Judgement Night’.

Belfast star Frampton puts his unbeaten record on the line as well as his IBF belt as he welcomes the two-time European champ to his hometown as he defends the belt for the second time in his second stint as champion.

Frampton has defended his own Commonwealth strap in blockbuster support slots in Nottingham under Carl Froch and Sheffield under Kell Brook, and now the 25 year old is thrilled to be headlining the biggest fight of his career in his own backyard.

“It’s going to be a great fight and a great occasion and the kind of big night that Belfast fans love,” said Frampton. “I know he’s a great fighter but I believe that I will beat him.”

“Kiko is an exceptional fighter, world class puncher and a good chin but we are convinced Carl can win,” said Barry McGuigan, Frampton’s manager. “We are certainly not underestimating him by any means but I believe Frampton is better than him in every department and he will show it on September 22.”

Martinez added: “Frampton is a good fighter but I am the champion and I will retain the belt.”

There’s a top class undercard on the night with Paul McCloskey aiming to get back on track after his defeat to DeMarcus Corley in May. Eamonn O’Kane won the Betfair all-Irish Prizefighter tournament on the same bill in Belfast that night and he features on the card, as does former British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay and unbeaten flyweight prospect Jamie Conlan.

Team GB stars Scotty Cardle, Kal Yafai and Martin Ward are also expected to continue their pro education in Belfast.

Tickets are on sale from 2pm from the Odyssey Arena box office on 028 9073 9074 and at www.odysseyarena.com
– tickets are priced at £30, £40, £60 and £100.

Ringside VIPs tickets priced at £150 are exclusively available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com