By Jonny Stapleton

Carl Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan believes Canadian Steve Molitor could be an
even more dangerous proposition for his hot prospect than European Champion Kiko Martinez.

Frampton might be disappointed he was denied the chance to settle his differences in the ring with the Spaniard and that he was denied the opportunity to claim the prestigious European strap. He will  however be pleased he has to the chance to take a big name scalp and move to World level on the bumper September 22 Matchroom card.

Molitor, 32, is a two time World champion, has traveled across the Atlantic to beat the likes of Michael Hunter, John Mackay, Nicky Booth and Jason Booth and Irish boxing legend McGuigan believes he is a sterner test than the man, who had Bernard Dunne gone in 86 seconds.

It might me a more challenging fight, but that fact seems to excite Team Frampton.

“Steve has boxed at a higher level than Kiko so this is a much tougher fight for Carl – but the kind of fight we want him to be in,” said McGuigan. “We could’ve looked further down the list of opponents and taken an easier fight but Carl wants to operate at World level and Molitor is certainly there.

“Most importantly we’ve replaced one great fight with another so the Belfast fans are still going to see an incredible night of boxing topped by a brilliant main event – one that is possibly even more exciting that the Martinez fight and that’s what the fans deserve to
see, Carl fighting a World class operator.”