Carl Frampton vs. Alejandro Gonzalez Jr: Fight Time, Date and TV Info

Carl Frampton makes his American debut on Saturday afternoon when he defends the IBF super bantamweight title against Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

The Northern Irishman—who has now signed up with Al Haymon—headlines the latest Premier Boxing Champions card in El Paso, Texas.

It will be the 28-year-old's first fight outside of British soil and the second defence of the belt he claimed from Kiko Martinez in September last year.

When: Saturday, July 18, 4 p.m. (local)/10 p.m. (BST)

Where: Don Haskins Convention Center, El Paso, Texas

TV: CBS (U.S.), ITV (UK)

Live Stream: CBS (U.S., regional restrictions apply), ITV Player (UK, regional restrictions apply)

Coming to America

Peter Morrison/Associated Press

When Frampton (20-0, 14 KOs) announced he was joining Haymon's ever-expanding stable, he labelled the adviser as "the most powerful man in boxing" on his Twitter account, per Boxing News.

The timing of the deal is perfect—the Jackal is a fighter on the rise, a world champion who is in his prime and ready to take on the best in the division.

Scott Quigg, though, is unlikely to be one of the names in the frame.

The Englishman and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, made a very public £1.5 million offer to Frampton, who responded by branding it "the biggest publicity stunt I’ve seen since that incident between Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson at Superbowl XXXVIII."

But, before Frampton can contemplate potential opponents for the future, he must first defend his title against Gonzalez Jr.

His last six fights have all been in his home city of Belfast, but this time he won't have the crowd on his side.

Still, Frampton told BBC Sport that he expects to have a small pocket of support in the venue: "I'm bringing a few fans over. They'll be outnumbered but they'll be heard."

However, he shouldn't be overly concerned by going on the road.

In his last two bouts he has shown two different sides to his game: He out-boxed Martinez to become the IBF champion, and then displayed his power in stopping Chris Avalos in his first defence. 

Beware the underdog

Gonzalez Jr. is a heavy underdog—Oddsshark prices him at 12/1 to upset the odds and become the new champion.

The Mexican has a 25-1-2 (15 KOs) record, but this is a huge step up in class. He has never fought in a 12-round contest before, and also only once previously boxed outside of his homeland.

The one defeat on his record came against compatriot Juan Alberto Rosas last year, though the 22-year-old told Felix Chavez of the El Paso Times that it was a bout he should never have taken:

"

My career was going excellent until I made a mistake and took a fight that I shouldn't have.

My team was telling me no and I took the fight anyway, which led to my first and only loss. They say 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger,' and I truly believe that.

I feel like I've really grown since that fight and I feel I am a better fighter. I'm an intelligent fighter. I'm a Mexican that just takes punches. I can take care of myself.

I'm 22 years old and ready to fight a good fight against a good opponent. I have to take advantage of this opportunity. It is a great opportunity for me and I can't wait to fight on Saturday afternoon.

"

Gonzalez Jr. is right to view the clash with Frampton as a huge opportunity—he does not know when another one of this magnitude will come around again, if ever.

Prediction

Frampton has the ideal opponent to impress an American audience.

Gonzalez Jr. is young and hungry, and his pre-fight quotes suggest he's not going to be difficult to find in the ring. Mexicans don't tend to take a backwards step when the first bell sounds.

This is, though, a step too far for a challenger who has never been in at world level before. 

Frampton will make a cautious start while he feels things out. However, he will blossom as the fight progresses, resulting in him forcing a stoppage in the middle rounds.