Carl Frampton (19-0, 13 KO’s) will make the 1st defense of the IBF Super Bantamweight title when he takes on mandatory challenger Chris Avalos (25-2, 19 KO’s) in a bout that can be seen live and exclusively in the United States on AWE–A Wealth of Entertainment.
The show begins on AWE at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PT
The card will originate from the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland and is promoted by Cyclone Promotions
Frampton will be fighting in front of his hometown fans knows that he needs a big effort over the tough Avalos in order to secure major fights in the suddenly hot 122-pound division.
“Everything is good. My weight is good. I have had great sparring, a great camp, and I am ready to go. The atmosphere at the Odyssey Arena is always unbelievable, and it will be even more on Saturday,” said Frampton.
The undefeated Frampton did not need theatrics by Avalos’ camp at Thursday’s press conference to get him mentally ready for Saturday’s showdown.
“I am always motivated and they did not have to do that to get me in the zone. I just shrugged it off, and I am completely chill.”
Frampton has long been rumored to have an all United Kingdom showdown with Scott Quigg, but he knows that he has a huge task in front of him on Saturday.
“I actually think Avalos is better than Quigg. He is dangerous, a better puncher, a better chin and he hits harder. I know I have to win as there are big fights in my future.”
Frampton also agrees to the theory that once a fighter wins a title he becomes a better fighter.
“Since I won the title, I am walking taller. I have been running through sparring partners, and I can see that I am a more complete fighter. If Chris doesn’t believe that, we will see what happens.”
“I want to be exciting and I want the knockout. I want to fight the big fights. I want to fight everyone at Super Bantamweight. I can see myself fighting Quigg this summer then I want to fight Rigondeaux. I see him as the man to beat at this weight class. Another guy is Leo Santa Cruz, but I do not think he will fight anybody of note.”
