CARL FRAMPTON’S MULTI-MILLION pound superfight with Scott Quigg may have to be put on hold.
Moves to set up the super-bantamweight showdown have gathered pace since Frampton defended his IBF title in Belfast last month.
But WBA “Super” champion Guillermo Rigondeaux is trying to force Frampton out of the picture and has appealed to boxing bosses to order a fight between himself and Quigg instead.
Rigondeaux’s manager Gary Hyde today formally requested a mandatory defence against the top contender, Quigg, who holds the regular WBA belt at the weight.
Here’s his letter to WBA chairman Gilberto Mendoza:
Dear Chairman Mendoza:I write as the manager of Guillermo Rigondeaux, the Unified WBA/WBO Champion.I write to request enforcement of the mandatory. Uniquely in the Super Bantamweight Division Guillermo Rigondeaux is the “Unified Champion” and Scott Quigg is the “Regular Champion.” Clearly as the Regular Champion Quigg is the highest ranked contender in the division. While he was injured he is now back in training and there is no reason why Mr. Rigondeaux cannot or should not fulfill his mandatory obligations against Mr. Quigg.
We are aware that there are some discussions about a bout between Quigg and Frampton. However, we have been in touch with the IBF and they will not sanction the unification fight with anyone other than the highest level champion which in this case is Guillermo Rigondeaux.
We respectfully suggest that it is best to deal with the mandatory issue now and request that Quigg and Guillermo be directed to begin negotiations.
Respectfully submitted,
Gary Hyde
Negotiations between the Frampton and Quigg camps inched along this week as Eddie Hearn formally set out his terms to Barry McGuigan.
McGuigan wants the fight to be broadcast terrestrially on ITV, who showed Frampton’s first defence, while Hearn is pushing for it to be on Sky Sports — a more lucrative deal but with less exposure.
Hearn told the Daily Mail: “Of course the finances have to be right and we have submitted a proposal that will pay both fighters huge money.
“[Frampton and McGuigan] will talk with their broadcaster and see what’s on offer and then hopefully we will sit down as soon as possible.”
