Carl Frampton says he is closing in on world title fight

Belfast super-bantamweight Carl Frampton beat Raul Hirales in Nottingham in May 2012

Carl Frampton takes on Canadian Steve Molitor in Belfast on Saturday night believing he is closing in on a crack at a super-bantamweight world title.

The Belfast man says he is confident of retaining his IBF inter-continental crown against 32-year-old Molitor and plans another bout before Christmas.

"After that we would be looking for a crack at a world title. We're only two or three fights away," said Frampton.

Frampton had been due to fight Kiko Martinez for the European title.

However, the Spaniard pulled out of the Odyssey Arena contest because of injury.

Saturday's bill also sees Dungiven light-welterweight Paul McCloskey taking on Manuel Perez, and Martin Lindsay challenging Lee Selby for the British and Commonwealth featherweight titles.

Frampton, who claimed the vacant inter-continental crown by beating Raul Hirales in Nottingham in May, will also put his Commonwealth title on the line on Saturday night.

Describing two-time world champion Molitor as a proven performer, Frampton said he would have to be at the top of his game to maintain his unbeaten record.

Frampton said: "Anybody who knows their boxing knows this is a tougher fight than Martinez. Not a bigger puncher, but a tougher fight for me."

Frampton said having to be away from his family, to attend training camps, would provide a huge motivation against Molitor.

"My daughter is at an age now that she knows when I am away and she gets sad every time I leave," said Frampton.

"It is all for this guy, and I am going to take it out on him. I am going to knock him out - no doubt about that."