The real deal

Carl Frampton smashed any doubts about his boxing ability as he beat Kiko Martinez to seize the European Super-Bantamweight Title.

Last Updated: 10/02/13 at 12:12 Post Comment

That's what former European Super-Bantamweight champion Bernard Dunne told Sky Sports HD after Ulsterman Frampton floored Spanish puncher Martinez in the ninth round of their clash in Belfast on Saturday night.

Dunne was impressed by the strength and stamina the Jackal showcased in front of a vociferous Odyssey Arena crowd, and reckons his ability to pull in the punters could speed up his pursuit of a world-title opportunity.

"It was a fantastic performance," said Dunne. "I thought Carl was moving a wee bit too much in the first two rounds - but he answered so many questions in this fight.

"Does he have the power? He proved that with a ninth-round knockout. Does he have the fitness? No doubt about it. Can he handle serious pressure? Yes. It was an A+.

"Carl managed to get low, moved, grabbed and avoid pressure when Martinez was nailing him - he knew what to do and wasn't a rabbit in the headlights - and when he held the centre of the ring he was more effective with his shots and made Martinez miss."

"He has generated a fantastic fan-base and when you've got that you can bring the world titles to you - I did it with (Ricardo) Cordoba in 2009. Carl can now control his situation because he is the new star of Irish boxing."

Cool

Sky Sports pundit Glenn McCrory praised Frampton's composure as he bounced back from some of Martinez's venomous shots to secure his 16th victory in as many fights - and hand his opponent his maiden knockout defeat.

And the erstwhile world cruiserweight champion now hopes the 25-year-old locks horns with unbeaten Bury boxer Scott Quigg, who revealed his desire for a clash with Frampton in a post-fight interview with Ed Robinson.

"Carl showed he has the temperament to get to the top," said McCrory.

"Some rounds went against him, Martinez started to get on top, and he even got hit on the chin, and if he panicked it might have all come apart.

"But he kept a cool head, waited and picked his shots again and pulled off a great finish, taking a step back and letting the punch go.

"I think (a bout with Quigg) should and will happen because it is a great fight; you've got two guys at the top of their game who want to get it together.

"And imagine what the atmosphere would be like if we got it in Belfast!"

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