By Jonny Stapleton

It’s an unfortunate case of Déjà vu for Carl Frampton as KIKO Martinez stayed true to form and pulled out a proposed European title fight for the second year running.

The Spaniard, who broke Irish hearts with his one round demolition of Bernard Dunne in 2007, ensured his public enemy number one status was safe by withdrawing from the eagerly anticipated September 22 Continental clash.

The Alicante native, who will be replaced by two time world champion Steve Molitor,  has sick note previous. It is the third time he has opted out of a major European title fight with Irish opposition , indeed its fourth time he has withdrawn from an Irish clash.

A back injury prevented Martinez from taking on Willie Casey for the blue strap late 2010, he failed to make weight for a proposed clash with Wayne McCullough in 2009 and this time last year he cited family problems as he elected against trading leather with Frampton on the under card of Paul McCloskey and Bredis Prescott’s mega match up.

It is a low blow for the talented Belfast puncher . He has been craving the chance to cement his real deal status and has been eager to take the three time European champions scalp for a number of years now.

The fact Martin Lindsay will challenge Lee Selby for the British and Commonwealth titles and will be joined on the Judgement Day card by former World title challenger Paul McCloskey, who confirmed he will definitely appear on the card, Prizefighter winner Eamonn O’Kane and rising star Jamie Conlan ensures Martinez withdrawal isn’t as
detrimental as it is firsts seems.

Frampton will now defend his Commonwealth title against 32 year old Canadian Molitor, who has traveled to beat the likes of Michael Hunter, John Mackay, Nicky Booth and Jason Booth.