On Wednesday, July 3, 2014, Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez came face-to-face at a press conference in London ahead of their eagerly anticipated rematch on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the iconic Titanic Quarter in Belfast, live and exclusive on Box Nation.
The 27-year-old Frampton already holds a ninth-round TKO victory over the Spaniard; however, the Belfast boy is wary of Martinez and not taking him for granted as he prepares for the fight of his life.
“Our first fight could have finished a lot of people, but he went on and won a world title,” said Frampton, speaking to the media at Testbed 1 in Battersea London. Frampton feels he’s long been ready for a shot at a title.
“I feel I’ve been ready to fight for a world title my last three-to-four fights. Our styles will gel, but I am 100 percent confident. I think it’s going to be a great fight.”
The reigning IBF Champion Martinez is likewise up for the challenge, as he claims he had an off night against Frampton in their first encounter back in 2011 and is eager to right a previous wrong.
“I was very keen on the rematch. When I won the world title I was very keen to defend it against Frampton.”
The tough “La Sensacion” similarly agrees with the magnitude of their showdown at the legendary Titanic Quarter Belfast, which is rumored to be nicknamed “the Jackal’s den,” but the rugged 29 year old from Spain is not fazed by the event or venue.
“It’s going to be a historic fight. It’s a rematch I’m looking forward to.”
16,000 spectators are expected to be cheering on “The Jackal” at fight night, hoping to witness Frampton finally get his hands on the desired world title he has dreamt of since he was a boy.
Still, Frampton is aware of the expectations on his shoulders but is looking forward to the test. “Back home people are expecting me to become a world champion and it’s up to me to deliver if for them.”
At a press conference on Tuesday announcing the venue, CEO of Cyclones Promotions Barry McGuigan showed his excitement at attaining such an illustrious venue for the IBF showdown.
On a massive night of boxing in Belfast, Ireland’s brightest and best are expected to be on show, with Marco McCullough, Jamie Conlan, Conrad Cummings and a whole host of other Irish talent from both the North and South of Ireland likely to feature.
However, the emphasis on the night will be solely focused on the two combatants who are vying for supremacy, with Frampton aiming to dethrone his old nemesis and Martinez out for revenge against his conqueror.
One thing is for sure, it will be one hell of a fight.
Header photo by Lawrence Lustig
