Hearn, Top Rank In Talks For Chris Avalos' Next Fight

By Jake Donovan

From the moment the fight was announced, fans have been salivating in anticipation over the rematch between 122 lb. titlist Kiko Martinez and unbeaten challenger Carl Frampton, which takes place this weekend in Belfast, Northern Island.

As it turns out, the most interested observer will be Chris Avalos, who is guaranteed a shot at the winner within the next 90 days.

Avalos' intentions of enforcing his mandatory title status potentially put to rest speculation as to other possibilities awaiting this weekend's winner. Scott Quigg, an unbeaten 122 lb. titlist promoted by Eddie Hearn has long been angling for a showdown with Frampton (whom Hearn used to promote) - and vice-versa. Quigg's fate rests squarely on the result of his showdown with Stephane Jamoye next Saturday in England.

Jumping ahead of the curve to cover all bases, Hearn has teamed up with Top Rank - Avalos' promoter - to discuss options for the American's next fight.

“There are lucrative opportunities for Chris Avalos within the division, particularly on this side of the pond," Hearn noted in a statement. “We’ll be working closely with Carl Moretti and Top Rank on Chris’ challenge for the IBF title against the winner of Kiko and Carl’s fight at the weekend.”

Martinez (31-4, 23KOs) makes the third defense of the belt he won in a 6th round knockout of previously unbeaten titlist Jhonatan Romero last summer. The 28-year old from Spain, who is advised by former middleweight king Sergio Maritnez (no relation) has won four straight - all by knockout - since his 9th round stoppage loss to Frampton (18-0, 13KOs) last February.

Avalos (24-2, 18KOs) hasn't fought since May, scoring an 8th round knockout of Yasatuka Ishimoto in Macau. With the win, the California-based Avalos became the mandatory title challenger for this weekend's rematch, which will air live on AWE TV in the United States (Saturday, 3:00 pm ET).