Carl Frampton will take on one of the most stellar fighters of the modern era in the form of four-weight world champion, the Filipino Nonito Donaire on April 21st.
Frampton is bidding to once again become a two-time world featherweight champion. This will be his second fight under Frank Warren’s promotional banner. His first proving a surprisingly gruelling hard-fought affair against the tough Mexican, Horacio Garcia.
This guy is Carl Frampton's next opponent.
He's a former four-weight world champion and he'll be coming to Belfast on 7 April. https://t.co/U3IcAshY9mpic.twitter.com/XryQfv1JD2
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 21, 2017
‘The Jackal’ will bid to defend his WBC Silver featherweight title that he won against Horacio Garcia. The fight will take place on home soil for Frampton, at Belfast’s SSE Arena.
Frampton will return to the same venue that he struggled to overcome the challenge posed by Garcia in. ‘The Jackal’ will look to inflict the fifth defeat of Donaire’s decorated career.
The 35-year-old Filipino is approaching the final stop on the metaphorical train journey of his career and he heads into this match-up long past his scintillating best and with only one professional fight in the calendar year for 2017. He is sure to represent a formidable test for Frampton nevertheless.
Warren said: “On April 7, we’ll be in Belfast, where Carl Frampton will be fighting [Nonito] Donaire. It’s a real cracking fight, a good fight for him, and we’ll be giving further details in the new year.”
In other news, could anyone tell me what the temperature looks like in Belfast around March? Asking for a friend 😁 @RealCFrampton
— Nonito Donaire – filipinoflash.eth (@filipinoflash) December 13, 2017
Ringstar Sports promoter Richard Schaefer, Donaire’s promoter told ESPN: “Frank and me agreed on the terms, but I am waiting on the paperwork. But I think it’s a terrific matchup. Nonito Donaire, when he signed with Ringstar, said he wanted a big fight.
“He’s the kind of fighter who never turns down anybody, so I am very happy that in only his second fight with Ringstar I am able to deliver him one of the big names in the 126-pound weight class. I think stylistically it’s a great fight.
“Both guys come to fight, and Nonito agreeing to go Belfast shows you how serious he is. He doesn’t mind going to the guy’s backyard. He knows this is an extremely important fight for him. It’s do-or-die.”
.@RealCFrampton, @filipinoflash in talks for featherweight clash April 7 in Belfast, which would mark Donaire’s European debut #FramptonDonairehttps://t.co/kuIWXebeLT
— Bible of Boxing (@ringmagazine) December 20, 2017
“But, that said, I haven’t even seen a draft of an agreement yet. I’m waiting for a contract. I don’t announce stuff until the contract is signed.”
READ MORE:
Billy Joe Saunders touches down on UK soil – says ‘I had him mentally before it even started!”
Joseph Parker hints at negotiations with Anthony Joshua reaching conclusion
Team Joshua looking to claim the undisputed world heavyweight championship