By Jack Sumner @Jack_Sumner_
Carl Frampton returns to the stronghold that is the
Odyssey Arena in Belfast this Saturday, when he makes the first defence of his
EBU super bantamweight title against Frenchman Jeremy Parodi in a battle that
also acts as an IBF world title eliminator. Additional seating has been added
to a sold out capacity for what is set to be the biggest boxing event in the
history of the venue, no mean feat considering the impassioned home support that
‘The Jackal’ has received there in his last two appearances.
Former two-time world champion Steve Molitor was blasted in
six rounds last September, before tough Spaniard Kiko Martinez was put to the
sword in front of a charged atmosphere in February. It’s been a frustrating
year for the Ulsterman since, with promotional issues delaying a return to the
ring until now, but with a win against Parodi, Frampton (16-0, 11 KO’s) can set
up a major 2014.
A shot at the IBF crown could come in a return bout with
Martinez, as Kiko went on to dethrone Jonathan Romero with a shock stoppage
victory in August. Martinez, who suffered his first knockout defeat against
Frampton, is scheduled to defend against Jeffrey Mathebula in December, with
the winner obliged to face Frampton early next year should he come through this
test.
Parodi (35-1-1, 9 KO’s) arrives on Northern Irish shores
with intentions of own though of course and comes with an impressive-looking
ledger and vastly more professional experience than the man from Tiger’s Bay. A
closer look at his resumé however, reveals the Toulon native has fought almost
exclusively in his hometown and against sub-par opposition compared to what
he’ll be faced with on Saturday evening.
With only nine of his thirty-seven opponents being stopped,
a scant 24% knockout percentage doesn’t bode well for Parodi’s power either or
his hopes of being able to hold a relentless Frampton off. The gulf in punching
power could well be significant on Saturday night and it’s not as though
Frampton has deficiencies in other areas. Belfast, get ready to see ‘Frampton
Come Alive’.
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