
Frampton still keen to dig Quigg


So Frampton-Martinez will take place at the Titanic Quarter venue later in the year. But what about the plight of WBA world belt holder -or ‘regular’ champion, whatever the hell it is- Scott Quigg? It’s important not to get too carried away beyond the imminent threat of Kiko Martinez and no doubt Cyclone Promotions will react with discomfort when anything but September 6 is mentioned. But speculation is all part of the fun, right? If Frampton gets past the Spaniard then fights with the likes of Quigg, Leo Santa Cruz or Guillermo Rigondeaux will certainly whet the appetite.
The countdown to Carl Frampton’s September 6 world title challenge is well and truly on as the two boxers formally come face-to-face in Belfast this week for the first time since February 2013. The venue for the huge showdown will also be announced shortly. Speaking at the initial press conference that was organised to announce the IBF fight, Carl said he is hoping that Kiko arrives in Belfast ready to talk some trash.
Photograph: fightsrec.com


Photographs: Matchroom Sport/thejournal.ie

World-class middleweight Matthew Macklin is looking to muscle his way into the title picture once again and has his heart set on an Irish homecoming. Macklin’s next appearance could be in Dublin at the end of August, possibly in a world title eliminator. Although that has not yet been officially confirmed it’s very much part of the 32-year-old’s career plan.
Promoter Barry McGuigan knows a good featherweight rumble when he sees one. The former world champion was, after all, involved in a few enticing scraps during his own ring career. On Friday, June 20 his young prospect Marc ‘Marco’ McCullough engaged in a throwback small hall brawl. McCullough possessed the tools necessary to avoid trench warfare and looked in control of the bout whenever he stood off and dictated behind his more considered jab. It was only when the Shankill Road man stepped inside and tried to slug it out with Czech opponent Martin Parlagi that his defence began to leak.

Photograph: Cyclone Promotions

Photograph: Matchroom Boxing

Marc McCullough’s WBO European featherweight bout with Martin Parlagi on Friday night is being described by promoter Barry McGuigan as a “coming-of-age fight”. The Belfast boxer is aiming for the next level if he can repel the threat of his Czech opponent on the June 20 Waterfront Hall headline attraction.
Carl Frampton has stated that he is “over the moon” with his world title fight on September 6. Even though the deal was agreed between the fighters themselves a while ago, all parties were still waiting for formal confirmation from the International Boxing Federation (IBF) before announcing the event. Carl whips his frame into prime physical condition before every bout at this level and the Kiko Martinez scrap will prove no different.