Just confirmed by Matchroom in Belfast on Sept 10 http://www.matchroomboxing.com/news/carl_frampton_to_face_kiko_martinez.htm
Big step up considering how he looked in his last fight (above average for a prospect but no more IMO))
Nice, I hope Frampton steps up in class successfully, he has the skills and clear head to do really well.
Kiko Martinez is better suited to Carl's style than the lad he fought last time,Martinez is similar in size and comes to fight. I can see Carl just be a bit fresh for Martinez who has had some wars and is maybe just right for the taking.
You have to praise Frampton & McGuigan. They could have easialy brought there man along picking up vacant titles. Instead they go straight in for a man thats with out a doubt top 20 in the world and shown his class and how dangerous he is.
This is one hell of a fight but also a major risk and one that I wouldn't make if I was Carl's manager. Even if he does beat Martinez he would then have to take on Rendall Munroe (he is the mandatory at the mo). Those are two very hard fights for a young prospect to be taking back to back. For me the biggest problem is that even if he were to beat them there would be no obvious natural next step for him and this could cause him to get stuck in limbo. He is clearly not experienced enough to take on the champions at the weight (even with wins over Kiko and Rendall) yet he would be above the European contenders, so where would he go. With no obvious opponents it could make the transition between European and World Class very difficult or at risk of taking a pasting against the elite fighters if and when he takes them on. But hey risk management over, this is a great fight and one that I look forward to.