Carl Frampton wants neutral venue for potential clash with Scott Quigg
Sunday 27 September 2015 20:49, UK
Eddie Hearn has revealed that Carl Frampton has requested a 'neutral venue' for a possible fight with Scott Quigg.
There have been positive talks about a domestic clash between the two super-bantamweight world champions and promoter Hearn this week raised fresh hope that the bout could be staged in 2016.
But the fighters still have to agree a number of sticking points, including a possible location for a bout between Bury man Quigg and Belfast's Frampton.
Initial plans for a Manchester venue appear to have been shelved as Frampton wants the fight to take place away from his opponent's hometown, despite the offer of a bigger purse split.
Asked about the remaining obstacles for the fight, Hearn told Sky Sports: "We are slowly jumping over them but it doesn't mean we are there. But there is certainly a desire from both sides to make this fight happen.
"Originally Carl stated he would be happy to take a 60-40 split in Manchester, but now they have said it has to be a neutral venue.
Originally Carl stated he would be happy to take a 60-40 split in Manchester, but now they have said it has to be a neutral venue.
"That may be a problem but I think it's understandable because now they know what type of fight this will be."
Filipino Nonito Donaire had been lined up as an alternative opponent for Quigg, who opted not to defend his WBA title in November while negotiations continue, and Frampton is yet to decide on a possible clash with mandatory challenger Shingo Wake.
Manager Barry McGuigan, who handles Frampton's career with his sons, had been non-committal about the Quigg fight, but Hearn remains optimistic about an agreement.
"Talks are underway and have been for a while but it's just a case if they both fight in December - separately - or they go straight into a fight in January or February," he said.
"We are in talks with Nonito Donaire, but with the Frampton fight looking likely we are not going to commit to that unless the Frampton fight is dead.
"In negotiations like these you have to overcome different egos and let's be honest, with me, Barry McGuigan, Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton we are in ego overdrive."
