A few days ago on BoxingScene.com, it was reported that middleweight champion Sergio Martinez won the EBU's purse bid for the mandatory fight between champion Kiko Martinez and challenger Carl Frampton (15-0). However, Frampton's promoter Eddie Hearn appears to have ruled out any prospect of a fight with Martinez. They were scheduled to face each other on two previous occasions, but Martinez withdrew due to injuries.

"It's difficult to build someone's career against somebody who is so unreliable," said Hearn to BBC Sport. "There are a couple of other interesting fights out there."

Hearn said that possible opponents for Commonwealth champion Frampton in his next mooted contest in January include former world champions Rafael Marquez, Rico Ramos and Jeffrey Mathebula.

"Marquez, Ramos and Mathebula are all top-five guys and I'd like to see Carl fighting one of those guys and then start thinking about a world title," added Hearn. "Carl is in a great position in his division as there is not a huge amount of money floating around so we can afford - because he's a big draw in Ireland - to bring those fighters over and then have him fighting for a world title on his home turf."

Frampton's next fight is being targeted for January in Belfast in a bill which is also likely to feature junior welterweight contender Paul McCloskey.