Martinez: I demanded the rematch be in Belfast, pressure is on Frampton

KIKO Martinez claims he demanded his rematch with Carl Frampton took place in Belfast.

The Spaniard, who team Cyclone stress they had to tempt with a lot of money to face ‘The Jackal’ again, said he wanted to avenge the only knock out reverse on his record in front of Frampton’s loyal fans.

The reigning IBF super bantamweight champion of the World, whose team rebuffed offers to fight Frampton earlier this year, also claims he wanted an instant return with the Belfast ring king after he lost his European title to Frampton in 2013.

“If it was down to me the next fight after my first fight with him (Frampton) would have been the rematch,” he told Boxingscene

“My promoter and team wanted this fight in Spain, but I asked for it be back in Ireland. I lost there and I want to win there. It’s for my own self respect and it will make my story in boxing even greater. I told my manager I will fight in Ireland again and win.”

The hostile reception Martinez received last time he fought in Belfast will be nothing compared to the one he faces on September 6. The Jackal’s Den will have room for more than double the support that attended the pairs first meeting. The bout looks set to play out in front of 20,000 Frampton mad fight fans,

However, rather than be deterred the former Bernard Dunne defeater claims the increased attendance and subsequent increase in hostilities will play into his hands.

“I won’t be bothered by the crowd, it will make me stronger. The advantage will actually be for me because I will have no pressure. Frampton will have to show his people, his public that he wants to be champion and it’s going to be difficult for him.”