Frampton assured of Major title fight

By Jonny Stapleton

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has assured Carl Frampton he will fight for a major title in the Odyssey Arena next week.

The ‘Belfast Boy’ suffered a nightmare week as Kiko Martinez pulled out of the pairs scheduled European fight last weekend, before Willie Casey, Rendall Munroe and Arsen

Martirosyan compounded the misery  by refusing to replace the Spaniard at shot notice.

However, Hearn, who promotes Paul McCloskey’s ‘Homecoming’ next Saturday night, guaranteed Frampton’s title dreams are still alive.

The Matchroom boss confirmed Barry McGuigan’s protégé will fight for either the Commonwealth or European super bantamweight straps in the chief support bout to Paul McCloskey and Breidis Presscott’s WBA world title eliminator.

Hearn told ‘The Jackal’ to stay focused as he faces a significant 12 round title test on the massive card next weekend.

The promoter also revealed an opponent will be confirmed today.

“What ever happens Carl Frampton will be in a big title fight,” Hearn told Mirror Sport, yesterday. “ I contacted him during the week and obviously he is disappointed the clash with Kiko fell through. He was training hard for that fight but I told him not to take his foot off the gas and to keep training hard. I want to assure the fans, especially those who have bought their tickets already, that Carl will fight for a prestigious title. It will be a 12 round fight with a lot at stake. We are very close to confirming an opponent. The fight will be potentially for a European or Commonwealth title. We had to look at the options and see what was best beyond this fight for Carl.”

The Promoter behind the Prizefighter shows revealed former Prizefighter winner and European Champion Willie Casey was a potential opponent, but claims ‘Big Bang’ wanted a big purse.

“People like Willie thought they could in and get a big opportunity and take an unrealistic pay day. The chance was there for people like Willie. We offered them decent money for what is a massive opportunity, but they wanted an unrealistic pay day.”