Carl Frampton Vs Kiko Martinez - Post-Fight Press Conference

@IFILMLONDON

Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy

As a result of the huge success that the Ireland boxing team achieved at the London 2012 Olympics, the amount of interest in the sport has risen massively over the past few weeks.

In an attempt to enhance the opportunities for the Irish youth, a new eight-week training programme has been set up for young aspiring boxers. The programme has been described as the "Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy" and will be split between the towns of Monaghan and Carrickmacross.

It hasn't actually been confirmed whether Barry McGuigan will play a huge part in the academy but even having the legends name will help to promote the academy. McGuigan was a very successful pro and is no doubt one of the greatest Irish boxers of all time, so he would be a great role model for young athletes, whether they want to box or not.

The programme is funded under the EU peace III Partnership and is aimed at all members of the community. Their main aim is to be able to successfully combine education and sport.

Frampton to challenge for the IBF Intercontinental title!

Carl Frampton.

British super-bantamweight Carl Frampton is set to challenge for the IBF intercontinental title against Raul Hirales on May 26th. It will be the chief support for the super-middleweight showdown between Carl Froch and Lucian Bute in Nottingham.

Hirales could cause Frampton trouble.

The unbeaten prospect is looking to add the IBF title to his collection, which so far consists of just the Commonwealth strap. Hirales will be his toughest opponent to date and it will not be easy for Frampton. The 28-year old Mexican is also undefeated with 16 wins and 1 draw with 8 KO's.

Frampton's manager Barry McGuigan believes that this is the step up in class that Frampton needs in his career. He also believes that the 25-year old will soon leave rivals Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe behind and move onto the world scene.

"You cannot get tougher than an unbeaten Mexican prospect, it's a great challenge and one Carl needs and is excited about," said McGuigan.

"Hirales has beaten three prospects already and has 8 KO's on his record so we're up against it but it's a great opportunity for Carl on a huge global platform. We want to meet Kiko Martinez in Belfast in September and we're moving on from Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe now as we're annoyed that they are fighting each other and not Carl."

Frampton's promoter Eddie Hearn is also happy that this fight is happening: "We wanted a big step up in class and we've got it... Hirales is a tough, unbeaten and a highly rated Mexican and we hope he can provide a stern test for Carl. Victory here will set up a Kiko Martinez fight for September and from there we want to be in a position to challenge current IBF champion Mathebula for the title."

The 26th May is shaping up to be a great night of boxing. Other fighters on the card include Eric Ochieng, Scott Cardle and John Ryder. The show is almost a sell-out but there are still £80 and £150 tickets available. To purchase tickets go to www.captialfmarena.com or call 08444 124 624.

Carl Frampton looking to shine!

Super-bantamweight prospect Carl Frampton.

Super-bantamweight Carl Frampton is fighting on the biggest stage of his life so far this Saturday on the under-card for Kell Brook Vs Matthew Hatton which is expected to draw a sell-out crowd of 10,000 at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield. 

Frampton will be boxing against unknown Ghanaian Prosper Ankrah. Although he knows little about him Carl is definite that he will not take him for granted to avoid any mistakes and ending up with a loss on his so-far perfect record.  

The young prospect Frampton has already been lauded as a future European and World champion by his manager Barry McGuigan. Barry himself is a former world champion so he definitely knows what he's talking about and he claims that it is the god's honest truth that he believes Frampton will be a star of the future. 

Although he is happy about all the compliments, Frampton has not let these words go to his head. He still admits that his technique needs a little polishing before he can get to the next level. 

''We've been working my head movement, making myself less easy to hit as I come forward... as a super-bantamweight it's very important... I am looking to do a bit more damage up close and I suppose you could say I need to work a little bit harder at close range but I have always felt very comfortable as mid-distance fighter'' said Frampton.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has already stated that a win for Frampton on Saturday would almost certainly secure a further fight back in Belfast in June but Carl still says that this fight is his main focus at the moment.

''I know I have to be on my game and i'm looking forward to boxing on such a big stage'' said Frampton who will definitely give the fans a fight to remember on a show that is shaping up to be one of the best of the year!