By Jake Donovan

The first time they met in the ring, Carl Frampton overcame his stiffest challenge to date to stop durable Kiko Martinez in the 9th round of their fun slugfest last November.

It was the biggest win of career already loaded with step-up fights for Frampton (18-0, 13KOs), who continued to face a high level of opposition without fear of losing his perfect record.

Naturally, Martinez went on to land a title shot. The Spaniard was viewed as big but “safe” name for unbeaten Jhonatan Romero, but enjoyed a stellar performance on HBO, battering the Colombian boxer to win the 122 lb. crown.

The outcome was shades of his breakout fight, a 1st round knockout of Bernard Dunne, six years prior – almost to the day – when all eyes were on the unbeaten Irish prospect at the time.

Martinez (31-4, 23KOs) has proven to be a handful for any given super bantamweight. His heavy hands has proven enough to ride a four-fight knockout streak since the loss to Frampton, including three straight wins over current or former champions.

Frampton also comes in having scored four straight knockouts, including a two-round drubbing of former 108 lb. king and 115 lb. titlist Hugo Cazares in his most recent bout earlier this year.

Will Frampton finally receive the hardware to complement his championship pedigree? Or will Martinez find a way to reverse the outcome of the first fight and keep his belt intact?

A packed house of 16,000 fans at the Titanic Quarter in Belfast can’t wait to find out, but read on to find out how the staff at BoxingScene.com believes tonight's super bantamweight action will go down.

 

BOXINGSCENE.COM STAFF PREDICTIONS: KIKO MARTINEZ vs. CARL FRAMPTON II

Ryan Burton (Frampton UD):

“Fight goes the distance this time, same winner in end.”

Jake Donovan (Frampton TKO11):

“Quite possible the very best match-up in a loaded fight weekend. I like Kiko Martinez to offer a more competitive fight this time around with the bout fought on even terms before Carl Frampton rallies for a dramatic late-rounds stoppage. A bit deeper than the first but with a similar result.”

Ernest Gabion (Martinez TKO9):

“King stays the king, Martinez gets his revenge.”

Ryan Maquiñana (Frampton UD):

“I like Carl Frampton to defend his home turf and his title belt successfully, but Kiko Martinez will likely apply what he learned in the first bout to steer clear of any unnecessary exchanges that could result in a second stoppage loss. But I still think Frampton's left hook will continue to do enough damage to win rounds and even stagger the Spaniard enough to go 2 for 2 in Belfast.”

Cliff Rold (Frampton KO):

“Their first fight was more competitive than might be recalled.  That's the power of a one punch knockout, Frampton's right hand making clear who the better man was that night.  Both men are improved over what they were a year ago and that means we should get another good fight.  We should also get a similar outcome.  With Northern Ireland behind him, Frampton stops Martinez again to win his first major title.”

Reynaldo Sanchez (Martinez late TKO):

“Kiko Martinez to win should knock Frampton out in Belfast. This time will be different Kiko said; I will come to trust that he came well trained and avenge their defeat.”

Alexey Sukachev (Frampton UD):

“Martinez is a champion, and Frampton is a boss here. He has already rolled over La Sensacion a year and a half ago, and this time the story will repeat itself. I'm looking for the Jackal's left hand to the body. One punch, and it can be enough for Martinez. But this time the Spaniard will end the fight on his feet.”

Anson Wainwright (Frampton TKO10):

“These two met early last year in what was a very entertaining fight that Frampton got just the better of before scoring an impressive stoppage. Full credit to Martinez, he rebouned to win a world title and has made two successful defenses and now heads back to Belfast seeking revenge. Since they last fought Frampton has stayed active but has until now been able to get his much desired world title fight. What you see is what you get with Martinez, he'll look to pressure Frampton and push him back and beat down on Frampton. Though Martinez will have his successes I see Frampton again edging the action getting off the better work and getting a late stoppage in a grueling action bout.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as a member of Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and the Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox