CARL FRAMPTON BELIEVES he can seal his world title shot in style — by knocking out Hugo Cazares for the first time this century.
The two meet tonight in Belfast’s Odyssey Arena in a final eliminator for the right to face world super-bantamweight champion Leo Santa Cruz.
Cazares, 36, is a two-time world champion and has not been stopped by any man since losing to fellow Mexican Gerson Guerrero in October 1999.
But Frampton, who brought a packed Odyssey to its feet when he knocked out European champ Kiko Martinez last year, is gunning for the kind of emphatic win that will put the world on notice.
“It’s very important I make that statement of intent. You need to look explosive and exciting,” he said.
American TV are interested now. They want to see blood and guts and I want to give them that.
Former world champion Ricky Hatton backed Frampton, 27, to shine and prove that he is worthy of the biggest stage.
“If people are unsure about Carl Frampton being world class, they are going to see for sure that he is world class and by beating this guy Cazares he will prove to everyone that he is worthy of a world title shot with Leo Santa Cruz.
With the victory over Cazares he will prove to the fight fans and to himself that he is ready for Santa Cruz.
Elsewhere on tonight’s bill Jamie Conlan, Marc McCullough, Eamon O’Kane and Stephen Ormond all face title fights while former Irish amateur champion Conrad Cummings is set for his second pro bout.
