Frampton: I’ll fight Kiko

22 December 2010 – Jonny Stapleton

Carl Frampton would love to fill the continental void left by Willie Casey and challenge Kiko Martinez for the European super bantamweight title.

Limerick native Casey has vacated his EBU crown and will challenge for the WBA interim title in City West on March 19 instead of making a continental defence against the fighter that had Bernard Dunne gone in 86 seconds.

As mandatory challenger, the Brian Peters promoted Spaniard will still get the chance to reclaim the title he recently vacated due to injury and Irish boxings hottest prospect and Celtic Champion, Frampton would love to be his opponent.

Dubliner Paulie Hyland, who lost in a challenge against Casey for the same title, is also in the frame but Barry McGuigan protg The Jackal once again signalled his European intent.

The Belfast puncher, who previously claimed he was confident he could defuse Big Bang, also stressed he thinks Casey is taking a step too far in challenging the man renowned as the greatest amateur of all time, Guillermo Rigondeaux.

I would love a fight with Martinez. It would be a tough fight but one I know I could come through, the undefeated Frampton told Mirror Sport.

I’m not going to say if Willie should or shouldn’t take the world title fight. It’s completely up to him and his team but I hope he gets a good pay day for it because in my eyes he has little to no chance of beating Rigo.

He’s made for Rigo. I have a lot of respect for Willie but this is a massive step too far, Frampton added before earmarking a possible bout with the pocket powerhouse.

There was a possibility that me and Willie could cross paths and it would have been great if it was for the European title but its looking less likely at the minute. If Willie won this interim title it would be massive for Irish boxing, if me and him fought for it. It would be huge. I would love that but I don’t believe Willie can beat Rigo but I wish him all the best.