Classy Frampton claims IBF super bantamweight title
Undefeated super bantamweight Carl Frampton (19-0, 13 KOs) dethroned IBF world champion Kiko Martinez (31-5, 23 KOs) by a 12 round unanimous decision on Saturday night at the outdoor Titanic Quarter in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Frampton dominated the first four rounds and an head clash then opened a cut above Martinez's left eye. A big right from Frampton put Martinez down on the canvas in the fifth, but the Spanard recovered well and a stronger seventh round showed he was not finished, physically or mentally. He stayed aggressive into the eighth round as he darted forward with urgency, planting plenty of shots into Frampton's body, including one after the bell.
Frampton was cut too, over his right eye, as the defending champion kept pressing forward heading into the 11th round. But the Belfast man finished strong, going on the attack and unleasing several blows, with Martinez doing well to stay on his feet.
After the final bell sounded Frampton was hoisted aloft by his team and he won by scores of 119-108, 119-108 and 118-111.
With the win, Frampton became the first Northern Irishman to hold a world title in 18 years.
Next for Frampton could be lucrative unification bouts with WBC champion Leo Santa Cruz or British rival and regular WBA titlist Scott Quigg.
Other results on the card: