Photo by Sportsfile
After several failed negotiations, it has finally been announced that Carl Frampton will take on old foe, Kiko Martinez, in a rematch of their thrilling encounter back in February 2012.
The first bout ended in a knockout victory for Frampton. This time around however, there is a lot more at stake, as Kiko Martinez’s IBF strap will be on the line in a matchup that should most definitely be an exhilarating contest that either man is capable of winning.
It did seem as though Frampton’s camp had given up all hope of ever facing the solid 28-year-old Spaniard again, after numerous attempts to negotiate a sequel broke down, Frampton chose to pursue his world title aspirations via the WBC route.
Last time out, the 27-year-old Frampton blitzed former two-weight champion Hugo Cazares in two rounds in front of his hometown fans, making him the mandatory challenger for WBC champion Leo Santa Cruz’s belt.
But surprisingly, with the Frampton vs. Martinez seemingly almost dead in the water, both camps were able to broker a deal to see the two men go at it in a Belfast ring again.
Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan recently took to twitter to confirm the fight.
“@loneraider101: @ClonesCyclone Please tell us Frampton vs Martinez is on boxnation” Yes FramptonVMatinez2 is on BoxNation Sep 6th.
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) June 4, 2014
Since the engaging first fight, Martinez has gone on to defy the odds as he dismantled the former unbeaten star and IBF champion Jonathan Romero in a bout in which the Spaniard was completely written off from the outset.
Nevertheless, Martinez steamrolled his young counterpart in six rounds, lifting that coveted world title and proving he is still a force to be reckoned with in the Super Bantamweight division.
After two successful defenses of his IBF title against the gangly Jeffery Mathebula—KO 9—and Hozumi Hasegawa—TKO 7—Martinez has looked reinvigorated and will be extremely eager to face Frampton for a second time, as he believes he has unfinished business with “The Jackal.”
Photo by Action Images
So with a big fight atmosphere expected in Belfast, the rugged, strong and uncompromising champion will be out to right a previous wrong, meaning that Frampton will have to be on his guard at all times.
Still, with the one-punch power the Belfast boy possesses, one punch could catapult him into the big money unification bouts he craves. However first he must get past the much improved Sensación who will be out for revenge.
