• Super-bantamweight

Frampton set for first defence in hometown

Nick Parkinson
December 18, 2014
Hopes of a domestic bout against Scott Quigg have been cast into doubt © PA Photos
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Carl Frampton will make the first defence of his IBF world super-bantamweight title against American Chris Avalos in his home city of Belfast on February 28.

Frampton will take on his mandatory challenger at the indoor Odyssey Arena, after winning the belt from Spaniard Kiko Martinez on points in front of 16,000 at a specially built - but temporary - outdoor venue in Belfast's dockyard area last September.

A smaller capacity crowd of 11,000 can be expected for Frampton's next fight against Avalos (25 wins, 2 losses, 19 KOs), from California, who beat Japan's Yasutaka Ishimoto in China in a final eliminator and Frampton insists he deserves his shot at the belt.

He said: "Avalos is a worthy challenger. This is a mandatory defence and Chris is up there with the best in the world, but this is my time, my title and my city. Chris Avalos will not know what's hit him on February 28th."

Victory over Avalos will clear the way for unbeaten Frampton, 27, to face one of his rival world champions such as WBA interim champion Scott Quigg, of Manchester, or Mexico's WBC holder Leo Santa Cruz.

But fans may have to wait a little longer for a world title unification clash between Frampton and crocked Quigg.

A summer showdown with Quigg has been cast into doubt after the English boxer needed hand surgery last week on an injury sustained in his last defence in November.

Quigg is hoping for a summer ring return but may want a warm-up before a long-awaited fight with Frampton.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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