BY Jonny Stapleton

Three time European champion Kiko Martinez has been added to Emerald Promotions July 21 Emerald roadhouse show where he will compete in a six round ‘keep busy bout’.

The announcement fuels speculation eagerly anticipated European title fight between Carl Frampton and Kiko Martinez has taken a significant step toward being made.

Frampton can upgrade from Commonwealth to European Champ

Martinez Belfast manager Pat Magee wouldn’t confirm a European title fight between Martinez and ‘The Jackal’ was signed sealed and delivered, but he did reveal the Spaniard is now part of Team Magee and Belfast fight fans will get a chance to see him in action on July 21.

“Kiko hasn’t fought since March and he is due to defend his title before September. So we are giving him an outing to keep the ring rust off and keep him ticking over. He will fight on the Emerald card on July 21. He is now part of Team Magee and he gets all the benefits that goes with that including training with Bernardo Checa. I can’t confirm who is European title defence will be against. I can confirm we are in talks with various parties,” Pat Magee told Mirror Sport.

Martinez took the great Bernard Dunne out in a round