Frampton To Risk Commonwealth Belt Against Hughes

Carl Frampton will make the first defence of his Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title against Kris Hughes on January 28 at York Hall, Bethnal Green live on Sky Sports.

Frampton claimed the vacant title in September with a commanding fourth round stoppage against Mark Quon at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, stretching his unbeaten record to 11 fights, and fights in London for the second time in his career.

Former World Featherweight champion Barry McGuigan continues to guide the career of the 24 year-old Belfast boy, and the Clones Cyclone is predicting that his charge could add more titles to his Commonwealth belt by the end of 2012.

“It’s a big year for us – we’re not looking past Kris but I believe Carl can go a long way, and by the end of 2012 I would like to think he would be European Champion,” said McGuigan. “(British Champion) Scott Quigg is a target fight down the line too and he’s enthusiastic for the fight so there’s exciting things ahead, but Kris comes first and Carl will be ready.”

For Scotsman Hughes, also 24, it’s a second crack at the title after a narrow decision loss to Jamie Arthur last October in east London. The Scottish Area Featherweight champion will look to go one better this time round, and McGuigan is looking forward to seeing Frampton face a tough challenge in London.

“He’s a tall rangy guy who gave Jamie Arthur a real work out, he’s got experience and he is a southpaw so it’s a different type of fight and challenge for Carl and I’m looking forward to it,” said McGuigan.

“We’re looking forward to fighting in the York Hall again – it’s just like the Ulster Hall really so it’s a home away from home for Carl, every bit as atmospheric and we will be bringing a lot of fans over.

“There’s a huge underground movement of excitement and support for Carl from boxing fans all over the place who are talking about him so it’s good to get him fighting in new places. I’m sure that there will be three or four-hundred fans from here going over and a large number in London who will be looking forward to seeing Carl in the flesh for the first time.”

It will be Matchroom Sport’s first boxing show of 2012 and promoter Eddie Hearn says he is thrilled to be starting with Frampton’s first Commonwealth title defence, promptly followed by the first Prizefighter of the year on February 11 at the Civic Hall in Wolverhampton with the Light Welterweights II.

“I’m delighted to be kicking off the New Year with one of Boxing’s most exciting prospects in Carl Frampton,” said Eddie Hearn. “There are some big fights out there for Carl in 2012 and I know he will be looking to make a statement on January 28. We will be putting together a jam packed undercard led by our rising middleweight star John Ryder, who will be looking to extend his unbeaten run ahead of a promising year.”

Tickets for Carl Frampton vs. Kris Hughes for the Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title plus full championship undercard led by John Ryder are on sale now from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £60 ringside and £100 VIP – to book call 01277 359900 or visit www.matchroomboxing.com