CARL FRAMPTON WILL return to the squared circle in Boston, probably in August, promoter Bob Arum has confirmed to Irish-boxing.com.
The 32-year-old ‘Jackal’, a former unified world champion at super-bantamweight who also reigned a division above at feather, will embark upon what will likely be one last title tilt in a headline slot in Beantown on either 10 or 24 August.
Frampton contemplated retirement following December’s close but uncontentious defeat in a fight-of-the-year contender with IBF World featherweight champion Josh Warrington, but in March signed a promotional deal with Arum’s Top Rank.
August’s fight will be Frampton’s fourth in the States. His opponent is due to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
If successful, he’s expected to challenge Top Rank stablemate, WBO World champion Oscar Valdez, in “November or December” per Arum.
One of the greatest fighters ever to hail from these shores, Frampton was originally due to return to the ring in June, but the adjournment of his court case with another Irish boxing great, former manager Barry McGuigan, rendered that date unfeasible.
The Belfast boxing icon is suing McGuigan, his wife Sandra McGuigan and Cyclone Promotions (UK) Ltd, claiming earnings due to him were withheld by his then-handlers. Lawyers representing Cyclone and the McGuigans have categorically denied these allegations.
McGuigan and Cyclone are also suing Frampton for an alleged breach of contract.
Arum was in Belfast to attend the press conference called to confirm Michael Conlan’s summer bout with nemesis Vladimir Nikitin, the Russian who controversially eliminated Conlan at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
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