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Jackal sees off Molitor

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Carl Frampton sent out a message to domestic rivals Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe with a sixth round stoppage victory over Steve Molitor.

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Commonwealth champion destroys top Canadian in Belfast

Carl Frampton sent out a message to domestic rivals Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe with a sixth round stoppage victory over Steve Molitor. 'The Jackal' retained his Commonwealth and IBF Inter-Continental super bantamweight titles at the Odyssey Arena with a dominant display against the former two-time world champion. Molitor was a big step up for the unbeaten Frampton, who is still ranked behind the ringside Quigg and Munroe in the domestic list. However, the 25-year-old is now eyeing a world title shot in the New Year after demolishing the Canadian and probably sending him into retirement.

Quality

Frampton came out fast and Molitor was unable to keep him off in the opener, backing up against the ropes Frampton landed with quality right hands that shook the former IBF champion. The Northern Irishman's desire and aggression was clear for all to see and Molitor was reluctant to let his hands go knowing his opponent would be throwing back with interest. It was quickly evident Molitor would struggle to see the final bell and although he looked to have survived the third round a combination of shots saw him down against the ropes at the bell with the referee rightly administering a count. He was down again in the fourth, an accumulation of shots rather than a single blow doing for Molitor, who was starting to look every inch his 32 years. He wasn't making life easy for Frampton though, landing occasional left counters and proving elusive at times although the home hero stayed patient and picked his shots carefully. The fifth saw Molitor come into it more as he clinched when in close and otherwise stayed out of the range, but he was more uncomfortable in the sixth and slipped twice if only to gain recovery time.
Test
Frampton was keen to finish it now though, and a left hook and right to the top of the head sent Molitor to the canvas, no longer looking as though he wanted to continue, shaking his head as the count reached 10. "I knew this was a big test and I've passed it with flying colours," Frampton told Sky Sports. "I needed to set a high pace from the start and that's what I did. "We knew at some point we'd get him out of there. I didn't think he'd like the pace and that's why we pushed so hard. "I made him miss quite a lot - he made me miss a bit too - but he was missing wild shots and that tires you out as well, and I was on him the whole time. "It's unbelievable and I want as many fights in Belfast as possible. The crowd was amazing tonight so the more fights here the better and we'll be packing this place out soon. "I'm still open to fighting Scott Quigg and Rendall Munroe but I'm not far from a world title so whatever happens first - I'll leave it to Eddie (Hearn) and Barry (McGuigan)."

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