Frampton: Martinez Beat Weak Champ, Over The Hill Foes

By Edward Chaykovsky

Undefeated Carl Frampton (18-0, 13KOs) is ready to repeat last year's performance, when he knocked out Kiko Martinez (31-4, 23KOs) in nine rounds. This time Martinez holds the IBF super bantamweight crown and the fight will take place in the challenger's backyard at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Over 16,000 fans are expected to pack the venue to support the champion.

Frampton is not impressed by Martinez's streak of victories since the loss, which included TKO wins over Jeffrey Mathebula, Hozumi Hasegawa and Jhonatan Romero.

"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. 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," Frampton told the Belfast Press.

"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. 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."