Frampton looking to better Kiko and Alexi

4 March 2011 – Jonny Stapleton

Carl Frampton is hopping to eclipse Kiko Martinez by stopping Oscar Chacin in Huddersfield on Saturday before going on to emulate Spains two time continental champion by claiming the European super-bantamweight title in 2011.

The Tigers Bay native has the opportunity to further verify his hottest prospect status by defeating a fighter who went the distance with KO specialist Martinez, gave Cork based Cuban Alexi Acosta problems and shared the ring with Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym.

The Celtic Champion continues to step up in class with each fight, but despite admitting the Venezuelan, who he faces on the undercard of Gary Sykes British Title defence against Paul Truscott, represents his toughest test to date, Frampton is confident its a test he will pass.

Frampton(8-0) also echoed his mentor Barry McGuigans claims that they plan to fight for a major title this year and targeted the winner of Martinez and Jason Booths EBU title clash.

He is definitely the best I have boxed yet, Frampton told Mirror Sport. He fought Kiko last time out and went the distance. He was very competitive against Acosta and I think he was lucky to be stopped then. We had a good look at him and we spotted a few things we can exploit. I wont be searching for the stoppage but we noticed he gets caught if you throw punches in bunches. I am just looking to put in a performance and if the stoppage comes that would be great. It would be a great statement to make, he added before looking further down the 2011 path.

We want title fights this year. Jason Booth and Kiko Martinez fight for the European title and I am confident I can beat both of them. I am not just saying that for the sake of it. I mean it. Jason is a lovely lad and a good fighter but I think I am better. Kiko is dangerous but I would love to fight him. I think I have a better boxing brain and I would outsmart him.