Carl Frampton fights Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez in US debut

Carl Frampton will defend his IBF World title against Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Junior on 18 July

Carl Frampton will defend his IBF super-bantamweight title against Mexican Alejandro Gonzalez Jr in El Paso, Texas on 18 July.

It will be the Belfast boxer's first bout in the United States and the second defence of his world title.

His 22-year-old opponent has won 22 out of his 25 fights, only one of which took place outside of Mexico.

Frampton, 28, said: "I want to become a star in the USA and this is my first step on that journey".

Undefeated Frampton recently reached agreement with leading American adviser Al Haymon to secure a series of major fights in the USA, although he continues to be managed by ex-world champion Barry McGuigan.

The fight at the Haskins Centre will be broadcast across the United States.

Frampton is undefeated in 20 professional fights, with 14 knockouts

The tall and dangerous Gonzalez Jr, ranked 13th by the IBF, will have the majority of the support in El Paso for his first world title challenge.

His father, Gonzalez Sr, dethroned WBC featherweight champion Kevin Kelley in San Antonio, Texas in 1995 to become world champion.

Frampton stopped Californian Chris Avalos in March to retain the IBF belt he won in Belfast in September 2014 and has no fear of his next opponent.

"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."

McGuigan said his fighter is destined to become a big name in the United States.

McGuigan said: "Carl's all-action style will captivate US fans. Frampton has all the ingredients needed to become a major star in the USA."