By Ben Jacobs

Few people are better placed to give an opinion on the forthcoming blockbuster clash between Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg than a man who has shared the ring with both fighters.

Kiko Martínez was stopped in nine rounds by Frampton in their first fight while going the distance with the Belfast native in their second encounter.  Meanwhile Kiko was stopped in two rounds by Quigg last July.

Speaking to BoxingScene.com during training camp for his own world title challenge against Leo Santa Cruz, Martinez explained who he believes will win and detailed the reasons for his pick.

“I think it’s going to be a really good fight and hard for both of them.  For me Frampton is going to win, he’s a better boxer than Quigg,” he opined to BoxingScene. 

“But Quigg is also a great boxer and you have to respect him at all times.  From my point of view Frampton will win but Quigg is a great counter puncher and he’s fighting at home which can help him.  I don’t think this fight is going the distance because Frampton is very proud and he will go out there to win by knockout or get knocked out himself.  It will be a toe-to-toe battle. 

“Frampton hits harder.  Every time he hit me he hurt me.  Quigg got me with a great punch but he didn’t hit as hard as Frampton.  I don’t see any weaknesses in Frampton, he is complete.  He’s strong, moves his legs very well and is a good counter puncher.  It’s easier to hit Quigg, but I do respect him as he’s a great fighter as well.  But he stands in front of you more than Frampton.” 

Reflecting on that second round loss to Bury’s Quigg, Martínez conceded that he was beaten by the better man, while also recognising that the defeat had him questioning his future in the sport.

“I have to admit that Quigg caught me with a good punch, he got me,” he said.

“The truth is that I don’t like to give excuses for a defeat.  I would love to fight him again, it’s like a thorn in my side but I have to earn that right.  He fought his fight and he was smarter and more intelligent than me. It was frustrating after a good first round.  That’s boxing for you, you win and lose and against a strong rival it happens.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think of retiring after that, it passed through my head a lot but I didn’t want to leave boxing on that note.”