The 26 year-old, who has held the lesser EU belt in the past as well as his national title, has an impressive looking 35-1-1 record in a busy career and feels the time is right to step it up and face some of Europe’s top operators.
“This fight with Frampton makes sense given our respective rankings meaning he we really had to face each other,” Parodi told World Boxing News
“I am preparing with my coach as with each fight and I am willing to put my body on the line for this title.”
Early indications from Frampton’s promoter Barry McGuigan are that the fight will be a final eliminator for the IBF championship, with the winner in line to face Jhonatan Romero or Kiki Martinez who collide this weekend in Atlantic City.
This is yet to be confirmed officially by the International Boxing Federation, although Toulon-born Parodi is focusing more on becoming the champion of Europe before pursuing his dream of a world title.
“I do not know what will be the decision of the IBF, but that is also not the most important thing for me,” explained Parodi. “As a European boxer it is the logical continuation of my career to win the EBU belt and then the world title will come afterwards.”
Parodi has fought all 37 of his previous bouts on home soil in France, but had no hesitation in accepting the clash with Frampton in his hometown at the Odyssey Arena and believes he firstly can silence the crowd – before pulling of a what would be a massive shock over the 16-0 favourite.
“I do not fear the atmosphere in Belfast and I think it’s a chance for me to discover a new place and meet the public of Northern Ireland,” he said.
“But let’s just hope that if the fight goes to points my performance is sufficient enough to prevent the public shouts weighing too much in the selected judges’ minds.
“I am sure I can beat Frampton and my record shows the extent of my boxing career and that I won’t be an easy challenge for him.
“After watching several of his fights I know I have the weapons to beat him, even at home and convincingly too,” added Parodi.
