McGuigan to turn down Kiko Martinez offer

JUNE 17 Jonny Stapleton

Team Carl Frampton will most likely turn down Brian Peters offer of a European title fight with Kiko

Martinez in Belfast this September

Irish boxing legend and Frampton’s manager, Barry McGuigan believes the hot prospect would best served gaining a little more ring experience before facing a ‘much improved fighter’.

The former world champion revealed he has yet to review Peter’s proposal or discuss it with his team, but stressed he will try and persuade the Belfast super bantamweight against taking the fight just yet.

McGuigan, who was previously eager for the EBU fight, was adamant The Jackal has tools and skill to be the heavy handed Spaniard. However, admitted that he noticed one or two things -in what was a comfortable points win over Robbie Turley in Cardiff-earlier this month that suggested to him Frampton may need more time.

It is a change in tact for Team Frampton. The Belfast fighter certainly hasn’t received the cotton wool treatment and has worked his way into British title contention via potentially risky opponents and has been actively perusing title challenges.

“I have yet to sit down with the team to discuss the proposal. My gut reaction is maybe Carl needs a fight or two more. There is no harm in holding fire for a bit. Kiko is a much improved fighter. He has a good chin and a strong punch and I am thinking we don’t rush in. We will discuss it and I am sure Carl would want the fight, but my initial reaction is to say no. I am sure I will persuade Carl and Gerry Storey to my way of thinking,” a very honest McGuigan told Mirror Sport before stressing his decision stems more from caution than fear.

“Believe me Carl is still on course for the top. He won’t always look dynamite in every fight and he won 80 percent of his last fight with an awkward opponent. He didn’t look brilliant but it was job well done. I know what it is like to take the punches and my responsibility is to Carl and Martinez isn’t a fight we have to take now. I think Carl has the tools to beat Martinez but he might be best served getting one or two fights under his belt. We are also on course to fight Scott Quigg or Jason Booth for the British title and would be confident of beating either.”