Carl Frampton vying for successful title defence on home soil

Belfast’s ‘Jackal’ has risen to boxing prominence under the watchful eye of coach and legendary fighter Barry McGuigan, after maintaining an impressive unbeaten record of 19 consecutive victories, including a gruelling 12-round bust-up in his previous outing. The rising star of the sport is 13/8 to win by a points decision again this time out.

Mentor McGuigan is confident that his young prodigy can continue down the current path of successive triumphs and dominant performances, beginning with a win over 24-year-old Avalos.

“It’s not just about winning the world title, it’s about winning fights emphatically and making as many defences as we can,” said McGuigan.

“There are potential unification fights to consider too, so there are huge opportunities for Carl.”

Frampton’s Californian opponent stopped Yashutaka Ishimoto in May to earn his mandatory shot at the super-bantamweight title, and has since overcame Jose Cen Torres to improve his career total to 25 victories and only two losses.

However, with only one previous fight outside the States and undefeated Belfast bruiser Frampton holding a huge home advantage, Avalos faces a tough task in Northern Ireland, and is odds-on 8/11 to be knocked out.

Northern Ireland’s in-form puncher will be aiming to make a rapid start on home soil, and is 7/1 to dispatch his opponent within rounds 1-3.

Heading into this much-hyped bout, Frampton and his well-respected manager McGuigan will be aware that a triumph on home soil could possibly open the door to a contest with Britain’s WBA champion Scott Quigg this summer, as the reputation of ‘the Jackal’ grows with each passing fight.