Carl Frampton and IBF super-bantamweight champion, Kiko Martinez came head to head yesterday in London at the press conference to announce their September 6th championship fight at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast.
Both boxers were all smiles and cordial but were also very firm when stating their intentions. Frampton’s manager, Barry McGuigan expressed his joy at the fight taking place in their home country. When asked about rival Scott Quigg, McGuigan stated that he is ‘piggy backing’ off the back of other fighter’s successes. He said that Team Frampton are not looking for a fight with Quigg any time soon and are just focusing on the task at hand.
Shane McGuigan, who is working as a strength and conditioning coach, was asked about the future ahead of the bout and said that he hopes that Frampton will be making many defenses of the IBF title should he win in September.
Challenger Frampton said of the fight, “I’m a live fighter, I’m hungry, I’m fighting in my own back yard in front of 16,000 people who are going to be baying for his blood and he’s not going to be ready for that,” Frampton said.
“If you look at Kiko’s last performances since losing to me he’s won a world title against a weak champion, he’s boxed two over-the-hill guys – and looked good against them – but this is a different story.
Frampton continued: “I know I’m ready. I know from what I’ve been doing in sparring and to my opponents – I’m sparring light welterweight guys in the gym and throwing them around.
“I just feel everything has fallen into place. I’m 27 now, I’m in the prime of my life and the next few years are going to be the best you’re going to see from me.”
When asked about the previous fight, he said, “People say it was close – I don’t think it was close – you’d be generous to give him two rounds,” Frampton said.
“We’re both aggressive fighters, we’re both compact and like to come forward but Kiko can only come forward.
“He’s had more than 30 fights in his career and in every single one he’s always on the front foot whereas I can go backwards, forwards, wherever, so that can make the difference.
“Both of us have exciting styles – the first fight was a great fight until the knock-out and I think it’ll be more of the same this time round.”
Champion Martinez stated that winning the IBF title was his “revenge” against Frampton for his loss but that he is fully confident that he will beat the Irishman in the rematch.
In his own words, he said, “I think it’s going to be an historic fight,” Martinez added.
“We have both improved since we fought last year but one of the main differences this time is the fight will be in the ring rather than outside it.
“I am eager for revenge.”
