Ex-World Champion McCullough Challenges European King Martinez December 1

The super-bantamweight division’s unstoppable force – Kiko Martinez – will face boxing’s immovable object – Wayne McCullough – in a world class 10 round collision at the historic battleground of the King’s Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland on December 1.

The 21 year old Spaniard Martinez, 17-0 (14), is one of the hottest prospects in world boxing and is coming off a terrifyingly easy one round KO over Irishman, Bernard Dunne.

It took reigning European Champion Martinez less than 90 seconds to destroy Dunne but now the young lion they call “La Sensación” will match his firepower against the iron will and titanium jaw of Irish legend and former undefeated world champion Wayne “the Pocket Rocket’ McCullough, 27-6 (18).

It is McCullough’s first fight in two years and his first in his native Belfast in half a decade. He said: “I haven’t fought in Belfast since 2002 and while I constantly asked for a fight over there it just didn’t happen. Even though I’ve lived in Las Vegas for the past 14 years I never forgot where I came from and my fans have stood by me.

“I can’t wait to fight in front of your home fans. I’m really looking forward to it. I made the first defence of my WBC bantamweight belt back in 1995 in Belfast and the support I got – and continue to get – from the fans over there is unbelievable. I’m really excited about this fight.”

Fight Academy boss Dennis Hobson said: “This is a clash of youth v experience, punching power v the best chin in boxing and aggression v guile. Kiko is one of the hardest punchers to emerge in years, he has 14 KOs inside four rounds.

“But in Wayne he meets a man who has taken the best that legends like Naseem Hamed and Erik Morales could throw at him, so it really is the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.”

McCullough added: “I’m expecting another great night in the Kings Hall. The last big world title fight that took place at that venue was my WBC title defence in 1995 so for me, this fight is overdue. I can’t wait to see the place filled to capacity and hear my fans singing the whole way through!

“The only time I’ve seen Kiko Martinez fight is when he defeated Bernard Dunne so I can’t take much from that fight. He caught Bernard cold but that’s boxing. I’ve been up against the best fighters in the world before so I know what to expect.

“I’m very grateful that Dennis Hobson has taken a chance on me and given me a great deal to move forward. I’ve been trying to get back into the ring, especially in the UK or Ireland, and when Dennis stepped up to the plate I was delighted. I’m anticipating a long and successful partnership with him.

“I never look past an opponent and I know Martinez will give me a great fight but my plan is to go on to fight for another world title in the very near future.”

Setanta Sports will televise live and a full supporting undercard will be announced shortly.

For more information, contact Fight Academy on 0114 2560 555