By Jake Donovan
Carl Frampton’s debut in the United States—and under the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) banner—will take place on July 18 at Don Haskins Center in the bordertown El Paso, Texas. The unbeaten junior featherweight titlist will be making the second defense of his belt as he faces Mexico’s Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.
News of the fight was confirmed by PBC staff Monday afternoon. The date (June 8) of the announcement marks the 30-year anniversary of Frampton's promoter, Barry McGuigan winning his first title in dethroning long-reigning featherweight champion Eusebio Pedroza.
The bout will air live on CBS during Saturday afternoon coverage. In supporting capacity, Cornelius Bundrage defends his 154 lb. title versus unbeaten Houston native Jermall Charlo. The co-feature was announced through PBC's website.
(Update: Bundrage has since reportedly suffered a cut during training camp and is once again forced to postpone his first title defense.—JD)
Frampton (20-0, 14KOs) picked up his current alphabet belt with a 12-round decision win over Kiko Martinez in their thrilling rematch last September. The title-winning effort took place in front of 15,000 adoring fans in his hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland, where he enjoys superstar status. His first defense also took place at home, scoring a 5th round stoppage of perennial Top 10 contender Chris Avalos in February.
Following the mandatory title defense, Frampton and his team attempted to secure a long-awaited showdown with England’s Scott Quigg, also an unbeaten 122 lb. titlist. Plenty of posturing took place, but the fight never materialized.
Frampton—known for turning heads in the ring—made headlines for reasons other than his all-action style in signing with adviser Al Haymon earlier this spring. His appearance on the July 18 show marks his first fight under that very agreement.
“I am delighted to be defending my title in the USA on July 18th live on CBS against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr,” Frampton (20-0, 14KOs) said through Cyclones Promotions' press office of his forthcoming debut on U.S. soil. “I want to become a star in the USA and this is my first step on that journey. Now that my team is working with Al Haymon I am set to defend my title in front of millions of US fight fans on CBS.
“Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. is a dangerous Mexican challenger but he has never fought anyone like me and on the 18th of July he is in for a big, big shock. I feel I am the best Super Bantamweight in the world and I am excited to box in front of a huge television audience in the USA.”
Gonzalez (25-1-2, 15KOs) makes his first attempt at a major title, also making his stateside debut. The title shot in Texas draws comparison to his father’s first championship win.
Alejandro Gonzalez Sr. traveled to San Antonio to face unbeaten featherweight titlist Kevin Kelley, forcing the all-action fighter from New York to quit on his stool after 10 rounds of war due to massive eye swelling and compromised vision.
The Saturday afternoon telecast serves as part of an interesting day/night doubleheader of sorts. Appearing in El Paso later that evening, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. attempts to bounce back from a devastating stoppage loss to Andrzej Fonfara as he faces countryman Marcos Reyes. Their bout will air live on Showtime, and open to fans who purchase a ticket for Frampton-Gonzalez Jr., according to sources involved with the event.
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox