New champ Frampton out to unify world titles

Carl Frampton insisted his world-title win is merely the first step on a long road to glory after claiming the IBF super-bantamweight championship crown in Belfast on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old took the title after a testing 12 rounds against Spaniard Kiko Martinez, picking up a unanimous decision on points having delivered an impressive display of graceful boxing, utilising his jab, footwork and movement to take control. Despite his impressive achievement in winning the word crown in only his 19th fight, the undefeated Frampton said: “It was the first goal, to become a world champion, so I’ve reached that.

“Now I’ve got to start making new goals — unifying divisions, defending the title,” added the new champion, who delighted his home crowd at a purpose-built 16,000-seater stadium at the site of the Titanic Quarter.