Carl Frampton after winning his IBF world title in September

Carl Frampton is hoisted into the air by trainer Shane McGuigan

On top of world: Carl Frampton shows off his world title belt at a civic reception at Belfast City Hall yesterday

Carl Frampton will defend his IBF world super-bantamweight world title next year in Belfast, it has been revealed

Cyclone Promotions have confirmed that the Tiger's Bay man will face mandatory challenger Chris Avalos in Belfast in either February or March 2015.

Frampton, who is unbeaten, beat former champion Spaniard Kiko Martinez on points to secure the title in TItanic Quarter in front of a 16,000 home crowd in September.

He went the distance into the 12th round before he sealed the victory to maintain his record of 19 straight wins.

The mandatory fight with Avalos was supposed to happen within 90 days of the title changing hands, but Frampton had to request an extension due to the injuries sustained in his fight against Martínez.

He suffered hand damage but has since recovered to resume training.

At the time, he said: "I am happy to fight anyone, I'm happy to fight the mandatory contender Chris Avalos. But I need proper time to train."

Both boxers will attend a press conference next week to announce the date and venue for the contest with tickets going on sale afterwards.

We are pleased to announce @RealCFrampton will defend his World title against mandatory challenger @HitmanAvalos in Belfast in Feb/Mar 2015. — Cyclone Promotions (@CyclonePromo) December 10, 2014 Great that @RealCFrampton is defending his World Crown in Feb/Mar in Belfast! No better place to have my 6th pro fight! #UnbelievableCrowd — Conrad Cummings (@ChampCummings) December 10, 2014

Belfast Telegraph