Carl Frampton will have close to home advantage when he bids to become a three-weight world champion against WBO 130lbs king Jamel Herring in London on February 27.
It may not be the cauldron of Belfast, but Frampton will be in familiar territory as he seeks to unseat champion Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) in Queensberry Promotions’ first show of 2021, live on BT Sport in the UK.
Promoter Frank Warren said: “I am thrilled we are able to deliver this huge opportunity for Carl to reinforce his position as the top Irish fighter of his or any other generation.
“Carl has been and is a tremendous ambassador for the sport and his huge following is testament to the qualities he shows in and out of the ring. The only downside to this fight coming about now is that he will be going into battle without his legion of Belfast fans roaring him on.
“For Carl to become a three-weight world champion would really be something else and in many ways a fitting finale to a magnificent career, although it might not quite be the end of the story.
“Herring is a top fighter and a gentleman who we are looking forward to welcoming over for a huge night on BT Sport.”
Champion Herring added: “I’m really excited that the fight is finally happening, more importantly it’ll be an honour to share the ring with a true warrior and class act such as Carl Frampton. It may be the biggest fight of my career to date, but I’ll be more than ready for the task ahead.
“There’s a lot on the line and I know he’s aiming to make history, but he’ll have to wait another day, because I plan on returning home with my title in hand. I’ve been training very hard for this fight and went back to what got me to my world title from sparring the likes of Terence Crawford and other top talent across the nation. I can’t wait to put on a great show!”
Carl Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs) said: “I’m delighted to finally get a date nailed down for this fight that has now been talked about for over a year. I have the upmost respect for Jamel as a fighter and as a man but there is nobody stopping me on becoming the island of Ireland’s only ever three-weight world champ, one of Britain’s only ever three-weight world champions and potentially have one foot in the hall of fame.”