• Carl Frampton v Kiko Martinez

Frampton crowned world champion on perfect Belfast night

Carl Frampton fought like a true world champion on his Belfast homecoming © PA Photos

Enlarge

Carl Frampton enjoyed a perfect Belfast homecoming on Saturday as he was crowned IBF super-bantamweight world champion in front of a deafening 16,000-strong crowd with a resounding unanimous decision win against Kiko Martinez.

On a noisy, adrenaline-fuelled night in the city's Titanic Quarter, Frampton put in a titanic performance to ensure the IBF belt would not be leaving Belfast.

Frampton took the fight to Martinez in the first round, opening up the champion with a multitude of clean jabs and a pulsating right that caught his opponent's temple.

The home fighter was spurred on by the raucous Belfast crowd and continued to pierce through Martinez's defence, touching down with another thumping right to the temple.

Carl Frampton floored Kiko Martinez in the fifth round © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Quigg wants Frampton at Old Trafford
  
• News: Frampton calls for Quigg fight
  
• News: Frampton may face wait for Quigg fight
  

The punishment continued in round three as Frampton shepherded his man into the corner, unleashing a flurry of body shots on the Spaniard, who then responded with a couple of nicely-timed efforts of his own.

Martinez finally appeared to have settled in round four as Frampton showed signs of over-eagerness and was caught heavily as a result. The challenger was down in round five, although referee Steve Gray ruled it a slip. Martinez looked to have caught Frampton on the head as he fell, but was only spoken to regarding his conduct - much to the noisy crowd's disapproval.

A cut appeared and suddenly champion Martinez was down; Frampton landed a superb right, one so similar to the punch that floored Martinez 19 months ago, but this time he beat the count, before the bell saved his evening.

Frampton's timing was impeccable throughout round six but he could not find the finishing blow; Martinez was kept guessing the whole time as Frampton weaved and ducked. However, Martinez responded in the seventh, catching his man with a powerful left to let him know it wasn't over yet.

The pressure built in round eight as Martinez barely gave Frampton an inch of room to manoeuvre. Knowing he was behind on the scorecards, Martinez went for broke but struggled to land any decisive blows that would persuade the judges otherwise.

Round nine could have been pivotal; Frampton started brightly, landing a clean right and then a left before Martinez fought back with another tough shot to the body. Frampton, though, tired towards the bell and in round 10 the champion grew stronger.

Frampton had to defend his body as Martinez struck low, hard and fast; the only way he would keep his belt was by knockout. Again the crowd reacted in support and again Frampton stood tall, catching Martinez with another huge right.

Frampton was caught by a last-gasp left in round 11, but responded like a true champion, pummelling the beaten Martinez while every punch drew roars of approval.

All Frampton had to do in the final 180 seconds was defend, but even then he refused to yield. He attacked with furious pace, pinning Martinez on the ropes and continued to unleash blow after blow, as the crowd chanted "Ole, Ole" in full voice.

The contest may have been brought to an end after 12 rounds of marvellous boxing - to his credit, Martinez fought bravely - but the judges' decision ensured the party had only just begun. Frampton was hoisted in the air as world champion and Belfast celebrated another famous night.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd