BELFAST’S CARL FRAMPTON is heading to El Paso Texas in July for the next defence of his world title.

And it’s Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Junior  who will be his opponent as Frampton goes to defend his IBF super-bantamweight title.

It will mark the first time that Frampton has fought in the United States and it will be the second defence of the 28 year-old’s world title.

Frampton’s 22-year-old opponent has won 22 out of his 25 fights to date but only one of those has taken place outside of Mexico.

Last September Frampton won the world title in Belfast in before defeating USA’s Chris Avalos in his first defence.

“I want to become a star in the USA and this is my first step on that journey,” stated Frampton.

“Now that my team is working with Al Haymon, I am set to defend my title in front of millions of US fight fans on CBS.

Carl Frampton celebrates winning last year against Kiko Martinez. Source: Presseye/Kelvin Boyes/INPHO

“Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. is a dangerous Mexican challenger but he has never fought anyone like me and on the 18th of July he is in for a big, big shock.

“I feel I am the best Super Bantamweight in the world and I am excited to box in front of a huge television audience in the USA.”

Barry McGuigan celebrates Frampton's title fight win in February. Source: Presseye/William Cherry/INPHO

Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan is enthused about the fight.

“This is fantastic news for Carl Frampton. He is defending his title live on CBS in the USA and I believe Carl’s all action style will captivate the US fight fans.

“Frampton has all the ingredients needed to become a major star in the USA.”

Originally published at 7.47

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