Jump directly to the content
JACKAL'S BACK

Former world champion Carl Frampton to face Nonito Donaire at SSE Arena in Belfast on April 21

The Northern Irishman will fight in his home country for the second bout running when takes on the former four-weight world champ

CARL FRAMPTON will challenge former four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire in his next bout.

The 'Jackal' fights for the second consecutive time at the SSE Arena in Belfast, with the two meeting each other inside the ring on April 21.

 Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton will be back in the ring on April 21
4
Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton will be back in the ring on April 21Credit: Pacemaker Press
 Filipino legend Nonito Donaire is the Jackal's next opponent, with the fight due to take place in Belfast's SSE Arena
4
Filipino legend Nonito Donaire is the Jackal's next opponent, with the fight due to take place in Belfast's SSE ArenaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

After labouring to a unanimous points decision against Horacio Garcia back in November, Frampton is hoping victory against the Filipino will bring him closer to another world title shot.

Promoter Frank Warren announced last year that the match-up was due to take place on April 7, but the bout has been pushed back two weeks, with tickets on sale from Thursday.

Donaire, 35, is expected to prove tough competition for the Northern Irish featherweight.

In 42 fights as a professional, 'The Filipino Flash' has only been stopped once - a sixth round TKO against Nicholas Walters.

 The 30-year-old claimed a dubious points win over Horacio Garcia back in November
4
The 30-year-old claimed a dubious points win over Horacio Garcia back in NovemberCredit: PA:Press Association
 Nonito Donaire, 35, is a former four-weight world champion, picking up 38 wins in 42 fights
4
Nonito Donaire, 35, is a former four-weight world champion, picking up 38 wins in 42 fightsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

While he also took Cuban sensation Guillermo Rigondeaux the distance back in 2013, where he suffered a points loss to become the unified champion.

A legend of the sport, Donaire has won world titles in the flyweight, bantamweight, super bantamweight and featherweight divisions.


NO QUICKIE FOR QUIGGIE Scott Quigg imposes nookie ban ahead of Oscar Valdez world title showdown


Should Frampton win in style, a summer fight at Windsor Park could be in the offing.

He lost his unbeaten record against Leo Santa Cruz last January, when the Mexican claimed a majority decision win to reclaim his WBA belt.

A win could also set up huge Brit showdowns against the likes of Lee Selby, Josh Warrington or even former foe Scott Quigg.

Selby will defend his IBF belt against Warrington in May, while Quigg will challenge Oscar Valdez for the WBO strap as he looks to become a two-weight world champ.

Former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury steps up his boxing training with Billy Joe Saunders and Hughie Fury as he eyes return this year
Topics