By Ben Jacobs
A rematch in boxing is always welcomed by fans if the first fight was a classic or controversial, or perhaps both. February 2013 saw Belfast’s Carl Frampton (18-0, 13 KOs) deliver a conclusive ending to almost nine rounds of stirring action against Spaniard, Kiko Martínez (31-4, (23KOs).
Although there was no controversy, the ingredients have come together to make a rematch possible. Most observers will agree that Frampton has earned a world title shot, and given the history between the two, a rematch was perhaps inevitable once ‘La Sensación’ became the IBF champion.
“If it were down to me, the next fight after my first one with him would have been the rematch,” Kiko told BoxingScene.
“I owe it not just to myself but also my family and my friends, I want to show that it was just one bad night. In fact I would have fought him right there again in the dressing room after the fight if I had to!”
The venue is still to be announced but September 6 is the date the boxers will face each other in the ring for the second occasion on what is sure to be another huge event for the sport in front of a raucous partisan crown. Martínez is aware of the hostility he will be facing, in fact, he embraces it.
“My promoter and team wanted the fight in Spain but I asked for it to be back in Ireland. I lost there and I want to win there. It’s for my own self-respect and it will make my story in boxing even greater. I told my manager Miguel de Pablo that I want to fight in Ireland again, and win.
“I won’t be bothered by the crowd, it will make me stronger. The advantage will actually be for me because I have no pressure. Frampton will have to show his people, his public, that he really wants to be the champion and it’s going to be difficult for him.”
