Carl Frampton believes Scott Quigg showdown is closer than ever

Carl Frampton feels a unification showdown with Scott Quigg is 'closer than ever'.

Barry McGuigan has said he 'won't hold out much hope' while Quigg's promoter Eddie Hearn believes they are '60 per cent over the hurdles' that have prevented the two super-bantamweight world champions meeting in the ring.

Quigg (33-0-2-KO23) has already withdrawn from a planned November fight - leading to speculation that the WBA world champion will take on IBF holder Frampton (21-0-KO14) in early 2016.

And now 'The Jackal' himself is confident it will happen,

"There are still a few things to be overcome and the talks have started again and the fight is closer than it ever has been," Frampton told the Belfast News.

"I don't want to say too much as we are the opposite of Eddie Hearn as we don't like to broadcast everything in public.

There are still a few things to be overcome and the talks have started again and the fight is closer than it ever has been

"We like to keep talks and deals in private and that is the way we want to keep it, but I agree we are very close to being made.

"We are all confident that the fight can be made; Hearn is confident."

Frampton, who made his American debut in July when he survived two first-round knockdowns to out-point Alejandro Gonzalez, now wants to hear from Quigg.

The Bury fighter, who has defended his WBA world title five times since winning it 2013, has long been calling for a unification fight but the IBF champion is warning him it will end in defeat.

"I have not heard from Quigg but I hope he sees sense and we get the fight on," said Frampton.

"It's a huge fight, a massive fight and it gives him a chance - even though he is going to lose - to get in the limelight."