Kiko Martinez stood and bravely faced the barrage; he chased and stalked and, for the most part, he kept coming forward. But even bravery of that degree was was no match for the boxing skill of Carl Frampton in Belfast last night; a skill emboldened by the weight of a city writing new history.
With a fine boxing display, highlighted by well timed bouts of aggression and kept on edge by the occasional slip, Carl Frampton earned a unanimous decision (119-108, 119-108, 118-111) to take the IBF World Super-Bantamweight title, evoking memories of the glory days of Barry McGuigan as 16,000 cheered him on in a purpose built arena on the Belfast docks. It was Northern Ireland's chance to enjoy a first world title win since Wayne McCulloch in 1996 and the capacity crowd showed at times both the excitement and tension that that long wait brought.
Frampton and Martinez exchange blows Credit: ©INPHO/Presseye/Kelvin Boyes
The pre-fight hype, as it has been for much of Frampton’s career, focused on the 27 year olds capability to unite communities. With that opportunity comes commensurate pressure, and early on the worry sat on the air that there could be a moment of foolhardiness from Frampton. There was no such loss of focus, and controlled aggression played well against the initially reserved Martinez. With quicker feet and hands Frampton was able to wear down the visiting world champion, before a heavy overhand right in the fifth round put Martinez on the canvas. Frampton resisted the temptation to bet the house on finishing the fight in the final few seconds of the round, attacking the wobbling Spaniard but maintaining the clarity to keep something in reserve.
Later in the fight Frampton set a controlled pace to the finish line, allowing Martinez to come forward when the knockout had become a necessity if he wanted to leave Belfast with the belt. Martinez was brave, with inspirational resilience. At the post fight press conference Frampton told reporters what he had said to Martinez following the final bell.
Frampton and manager Barry McGuigan embrace following the victory Image credit: ©INPHO/Presseye/Kelvin Boyes
"I told him I respect him like no other boxer I've fought - and that I hope I never see him again,” Frampton said.
Frampton knows who does want to see; England’s unbeaten WBA title-holder Scott Quigg. Sitting on the edge of the ring, speaking to Box Nation TV with Barry and Shane McGuigan, the younger his trainer, either side, Frampton was unequivocal about his aims to face Quigg.
"I'll fight him in Manchester, I'll fight him anywhere. What Eddie Hearn (Quigg's promoter) needs to remember is I'm the one with the legitimate belt.
“I'm the one who brings the fans,” Frampton said.
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