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.