By Ian S Palmer
There’s boxing in Belfast, Northern Ireland this Saturday, October 19 when hometown boy Carl Frampton will be defending his European Junior Featherweight crown against Jeremy Parodi of France. The undefeated Frampton carries a record of 16-0 with him along with 11 Kos. The veteran Parodi is 35-1-1 with a total of 9 Kos to his name.
Frampton and Parodi are both hoping to line up a title shot against Kiko Martinez of Spain, who is the IBF titleholder. The 26-year-old Frampton is known as The Jackal and is quite a good young prospect. His reflexes and hand speed are excellent and he has good power in his fists. He can fight going forwards and backwards equally well. He’s good at slipping shots and his combination punching is one of his best weapons.
Frampton was a fine amateur and learned his boxing skills there. However, since turning pro he’s added some power to his arsenal and that’s why he’s yet to lose a fight. He’s an aggressive type of boxer who prefers to dictate the pace in his contests. Parodi, who is also 26, is going to be a handful for the champion as he’s quite tough to beat. He doesn’t possess a lot in the way of power, but has some good boxing skills.
Parodi is heading to Belfast to win, not to be a stepping stone for Frampton on his way to a world title shot. Frampton will need to get off first to keep the challenger off balance. The champion also needs to use his legs to keep good distance. Frampton also has to stay busy and make sure he returns fire when Parodi is able to land. He can’t afford to get hit and not return fire.
Parodi turned pro back in 2005 and North American fans may have a hard time recognizing any of his opponents. His only loss was a majority decision to Arsen Martirosyan back in 2010. He’s got plenty of experience and is quite durable. He’s won seven bouts in a row since his loss with six of them going the distance.
Frampton turned pro in 2009 and stopped Martinez in his last bout in the ninth round back in February. Martinez then got a shot at the IBF title in August and stopped Jhonatan Romero in the sixth round. Frampton of course wants a shot at Martinez and the world crown, especially since he’s already knocked him out. Frampton has also stopped former world champion Steve Molitor of Canada when he finished him off in six rounds in September of 2012.
Prediction
Frampton has fought the better opposition in his short career and has the skills and power needed to keep his crown. He should be motivated fighting in front of his home crowd and at the end of 12 rounds his arm should be raised in the air. Look for Frampton to keep his crown by a unanimous decision.
