Avalos raises stakes in war of words

Chris Avalos has branded Carl Frampton a dancing "fairy" as he continued his efforts to rile the champion ahead of Saturday night’s world-title showdown in Belfast.

Frampton will make his first defence of the IBF super-bantamweight crown at the Odyssey Arena, with 25-year-old Avalos confidently predicting a knockout win.

Indeed some members of the challenger’s team have reportedly bet a five-figure sum on the Californian to emerge victorious.

Speaking after yesterday’s public work-out, held in front of a large crowd at Belfast’s Victoria Square, Avalos maintained he will be the toughest opponent Frampton has encountered.

“I’m going to win — I see a stoppage — unless he runs around like a little fairy,” said Avalos, who brazenly dismissed the impressive twinkle-toed boxing tactics Frampton adopted when defeating Kiko Martinez to win the title last September.

“Unlike Martinez, I’m not going to follow him — I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. I’d predict, say, around five or six (rounds). It could be a war if he doesn’t run like he likes to run — like a damn, little fairy — but we’ll see.

“I’ve fought stronger opponents, I see nothing special about him,” added Avalos, who has suffered two career defeats, both on points, but has never been stopped in a 27-fight career.

After defeating Spanish nemesis Martinez at a purpose-built stadium on the Titanic slipways, Frampton (19-0) believes Avalos’ penchant for trash talk will create an even more intense atmosphere than usual on his return to the Odyssey Arena. “The atmosphere is always brilliant in the Odyssey but this time I think it’s going to be even better because of some of the things Avalos is saying in the press,” said Frampton. “The public don’t really like that. You don’t need to be flash or arrogant — just fight. It’ll be a heated atmosphere, I’m sure. It’s important for me to look good, look impressive and put on an exciting fight,” said the 28-year-old, who is bringing world-championship boxing back to terrestrial television on ITV and UTV. “I’m bringing it back to the mainstream.”