Photo courtesy of Sonya Cassidy Public Relations
Tomorrow night at the stunning Titanic Quarter, Belfast, hometown hero Carl Frampton attempts to realize his dream by conquering his old nemesis Kiko Martinez to obtain the Spanaird’s Super Bantamweight IBF title.
In a fascinating return of their thrilling encounter back in February 2013, which saw Frampton withstand extreme pressure from the tough Martinez to out of nowhere land a thunderous right hand to halt the Spanish freight train for the first time in his career, in the ninth round of a back-and-forth tussle.
As a relative 10 fight novice to the fight game back in 2011, Frampton was scheduled to fight the battle hardened Martinez, leaving many worried that Frampton was running before he could walk. However, to the surprise of everyone, the fight was cancelled and both fighters went their separate ways.
Despite this, a foundation was set, meaning it was inevitable that these men would settle their score in the ring.
It was almost two years before the fight was made and it was immediately apparent there was no love lost between both Frampton and Martinez. They clashed at every opportunity, which spilled into the ring on that unforgettable February night.
After the Frampton loss though, Martinez obliterated the highly rated Jhonthan Romeo in a sixth-round blitz, unexpectedly claiming his IBF strap. Rumours had circulated that Martinez had rejected a return with the Jackal, but nevertheless here we are and everyone is bang up for it.
So tomorrow night in this Titanic clash, will it be the sweetest revenge for Martinez or the day of the Jackal for Frampton?
Tale of the tape
Photo by INPHO Presseye/Russell Pritchard
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With each man having a very high knockout percentage throughout their careers, there is no question that both Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez have heavy hands indeed. With a impressive 65 percent knockout ratio, Martinez has proven that his come-forward pressure style is very effective.
Also, Frampton’s one-punch power, which has saw him knock out the likes of Martinez and Hugo Cazares, has proven that with a 72 percent KO ratio the Jackal is dangerous with both hands at any time.
However, Martinez has the significant edge in experience, as he has been around for a decade and is extremely long in the tooth compared to the up-and-coming Frampton.
Still, with Frampton already holding a victory over “La Sensación,” how will the Spaniard react against the man that has handed him his solitary knockout defeat?
Main Storylines
Photo by Lawrence Lustig
Compared to the heated build up to the past bout, we have seen a different side to both Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez who have acknowledged each others strengths, on the other hand still asserting their confidence about how they believe fight night will pan out. Martinez seems to be a man searching for redemption as he faces his conqueror for the first time since his heart was broken in the ring.
To write Martinez off though would a big mistake. A lot has been made about Frampton’s previous victory against the current IBF champ, with team Frampton believing they have the formula to demolish Martinez for the second time.
Be that as it may, the 29-year-old Spaniard believes he has learned from his first knockout loss and will not be leaving Belfast without his title.
Could it be a mistake for Frampton to think he has already beaten Martinez as the champion seems to have gone from strength to strength since the knockout loss?
Strengths for Each Man
Photo courtesy of Sonya Cassidy Public Relations
Carl Frampton
Carl Frampton’s one-punch power is most definitely his strongest asset. Along with that power though, is his immense ring generalship and his ability to box off the back foot, which you normally do not associate with a big puncher.
Frampton’s array of talents could mean that he is prepared for anything the strong La Sensación’s pressure style throws at him.
Photo courtesy of Sonya Cassidy Public Relations
Kiko Martinez
The rugged Spaniard has never changed his boxing style. His high work rate and ability to take a great punch makes him a severe threat to Carl Frampton’s unbeaten record.
If the stubborn Martinez can continue to push Frampton on the back foot smothering him with punches, then that 16,000 strong loyal crowd could be in for an almighty shock.
Weaknesses for Each Man
Carl Frampton
The only weakness that could creep into Carl Frampton’s game is complacency.
If he is to assume that he has already beaten Kiko Martinez and is looking ahead to the potential big money fights on the horizon, then the Jackal could struggle with the relentless pressure the champion puts on him, then finally succumb to the pressure.
Kiko Martinez
Photo by Lawrence Lustig/Matchroom Boxing
Are the cracks beginning to appear in Kiko Martinez as he shoved Frampton at the weigh in?
We can only speculate how Martinez’s state of mind is when he looks into Carl Frampton’s eyes as he has looked like a man resigned to his fate. But it will be interesting to see if Frampton is to land another sledgehammer blow, what the subdued champion will do as he only has one way of fighting thus leaving him exposed and a sitting duck.
The Winner and Why
Is it written in the stars that Carl Frampton is ordained for moments like this and destined to be king?
I for one believe so. Frampton’s power will mean Kiko Martinez will have a severe sense of trepidation throughout the fight, which could make him freeze. I am still confident though that this will in no way be an easy bout for Frampton, however his ability to switch his style and to adapt mid-fight will be the reason why Frampton will win in a mammoth brawl, becoming the new IBF champion in front of a Titanic crowd that will live long in the memory of his adoring fans.
The stage is set, the stadium is built and both Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez are now exceedingly eager to get their hands on one another with boxing’s biggest prize laying in wait for the winner.
