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Frampton Rivals set for big World Title Fight


WBO featherweight champion Óscar Valdez is set to make the fourth defence of his title against former Carl Frampton opponent Scott Quigg.

An agreement is close to being reached between Top Rank and Matchroom for a title fight on Saturday March 10th in California – most likely at the StubHub Centre in Carson.

Quigg, ranked 10th with the WBO, had been rumoured to be joining Frank Warren’s Queensberry outfit – following former Matchroom fighters Frampton, Josh Warrington, and Lee Selby – however this was denied and it emerged late last night that the English boxer will now challenge for world honours Stateside.

Bury’s Quigg [34(25)-1(0)-2] has been based on the U.S. West Coast following his loss to Frampton almost two years ago. Since then, the Freddie Roach-trained fighter has followed ‘The Jackal’ up to featherweight and has won thrice.

Mexican Valdez [23(19)-0], a stablemate of Mick Conlan at The Rock Gym, had called out Frampton following his surprisingly hard-fought victory over Genesis Servania in September – however the Belfast 30 year old took a different route.

Frampton [24(14)-1(0)] is due to face Filipino Nonito Donaire in a non-World title bout in Belfast on April 7th ahead of, should he defeat Donaire, an IBF title challenge against the winner of champion Lee Selby’s defence against Josh Warrington.

Leo Santa Cruz (WBA) and Gary Russell Jr (WBC) hold the remaining world titles in the 126lbs division.

Also confirmed for the bill in nine and a half weeks time is another Conlan gym-mate Jessie Magdaleno – who will defend his WBO super bantamweight title against a to-be-confirmed opponent.

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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