IBF WORLD CHAMPION Carl Frampton will wait for a scan on a suspected broken hand before making plans for his first title defence.
Belfast’s Frampton was crowned super-bantamweight king on Saturday night after a clinical performance and unanimous points decision against Kiko Martinez.
Over 15,000 people packed into a purpose-built arena in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter to witness the Jackal’s finest hour.
Frampton said: “It was an amazing arena and the whole of Tiger’s Bay will have walked here.
“If there was ever a night to rob Tiger’s Bay it was probably tonight – burgle a few houses, no one was left there.”
The 27-year-old revealed afterwards that he hurt his left hand during the sixth round and that injury could delay his next fight until early 2015.
As the IBF mandatory challenger, Chris Avalos expects to face him within the next 90 days but WBC champ Leo Santa Cruz, Scott Quigg and former three-weight world champ Abner Mares are also in the picture.
Manager Barry McGuigan said: “It seems like his left hand is broken so we’re going to have that looked at and discuss it with the IBF, but there are loads of options.
“Carl and his wife are about to have their second baby in November but we’re going to have a bit of a rest and then talk to the IBF and see what our options are.
Shane McGuigan, Frampton’s trainer, added: “I don’t think we need to talk about what’s going to go on next. I think we should savour the moment.
We’ve just had one of the greatest nights in Northern Ireland boxing history. There’s loads of fights out there though.
Frampton was quick to pay tribute to a defiant Martinez who stood firm until the final bell.
“He’s very tough, one of the toughest guys around, honestly.
I think a fight like that is going to benefit my career, to be involved in such a war with such a brilliant fighter. It’s just going to help me.
“There was times there when people might have thought he was on his way out but he’s a proud man and he really wanted to win.
“I think it was the performance of my life.”
He added: “I went to his changing room and spoke to him and we shook hands. I’ve never respected a fighter more in my life.
He’s such a tough guy, a worthy champion. I said to him that I hope I never see him again!
“He’s a great fighter and I apologised for how I reacted at the weigh in — that just happens sometimes — but I have a lot of respect for him.”
