By Ian S Palmer
The European Jr. Featherweight Title will be on the line in Belfast, Northern Ireland this Saturday Feb. 9 when champion Kiko Martinez travels from Spain to the Odyssey Arena to take on challenger Carl Frampton in his hometown. The 25-year-old Frampton will enter the ring with a pro record of 15-0 along with 10 knockouts while the 26-year-old Martinez has a mark of 27-3 with 19 Kos.
Frampton looked good in his last outing which saw him stop former two-time champion Steve Molitor of Canada in the sixth round in September. That bout seemed to have affected Molitor quite a bit as the Canadian has just recently announced his retirement from the ring. Martinez, who turned pro in 2004, is also on quite a roll since he’s won seven consecutive bouts since losing two decisions in a row to Takalani Ndlovu and Rendall Munroe in 2009.
This is an excellent matchup as both boxers are considered to be among the best prospects in Europe at the moment. The fight could have been made at an earlier date, but Frampton claims that Martinez pulled out on proposed bouts a couple of times. However, there’s no time like the present and the timing is perfect for these two to settle their differences in the ring.
Frampton and Martinez both possess good power, defense, and boxing skills. Frampton’s hand speed is a little quicker, but Martinez usually throws more punches and is generally quite accurate with them. It’s believed that Frampton has a slightly better chin and they may be needed here as they’re both liable to land some bombs.
Frampton was impressive as an amateur and he’s added power to his arsenal since turning pro back in 2009. He’s got all the tools needed to succeed and this will be an excellent test for him. He did well against Molitor as the Canadian isn’t a heavy puncher, but he’s going to quickly find out that Martinez is. Frampton recognizes that this is his biggest test as a pro so far and needs to stay away from Martinez’s power shots.
He’ll need to show some good footwork and keep the champion busy by nailing him with combinations. Munroe confused Martinez with his excellent movement and Frampton may want to try the same tactic. Frampton also needs to make sure he stays away from the ropes where Martinez could trap him and land. The Spaniard likes to set things up with his effective jab and his best bet here is to try and turn the boxing match into a brawl.
Whoever the aggressor is here and controls the action should take the bout. Frampton’s the challenger so he’s going to have to show the judges that he’s hungry for the belt. Frampton needs to be intelligent in the ring and fight to his own strengths instead of the champion’s. Martinez will try to close the distance, use his superior experience, and impose his will on the challenger. Frampton’s wary of Martinez’s power though, so he should be smart enough to try and negate it. Frampton has a better chance to take the title because he possesses better boxing skills as well as power and I expect him to take Martinez’s crown by a decision.
