Unbeaten junior featherweight Carl Frampton will fight professionally in the United States for the first time when he defends his IBF world title against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. on July 18 in Texas.
Frampton, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, recently signed an advisory agreement with Al Haymon and this bout will be broadcast as the main event on the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) series that goes out live on CBS.
Gonzalez Jr. (25-1-2, 15 knockouts) hails from Tijuana, Mexico. The twenty-two year old, who is ranked No. 13 by the IBF, is tall and can punch but he has never competed against anyone with the defending champion’s class or experience.
“I want to become a star in the USA and this is my first step on that journey,” said Frampton, who is rated No. 1 by THE RING at 122 pounds.
“Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. is a dangerous challenger but he has never fought anyone like me and on July 18 he is in for a big, big shock. I feel I am the best junior featherweight in the world and I am excited to box in front of a huge television audience in the USA.”
Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan added, “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.
“He is an exceptional fighter with a brilliant personality. Alejandro Gonzalez Jr. is a hungry and dangerous young boxer who will be traveling to El Paso, Texas, to rip that belt from Frampton. This is going to be a cracking fight.”
Undefeated Jermall Charlo challenges IBF junior middleweight titleholder Cornelius Bundrage on the undercard.
