Carl Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) has told UTV he is closing in on confirming the opponent for his next fight and, despite reports that deals with Leo Santa Cruz and Lee Selby are off the table, they are still options.
Since losing out in his rematch with Santa Cruz at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at the end of January, Frampton has been calling on the Mexican star to travel to Belfast to complete the trilogy.
Frampton won a close decision in the first bout, which took place last year in Brooklyn, New York.
But last week the WBA issued an official order the directs the reigning champion to fight his mandatory challenger, Abner Mares, in a rematch.
On the same principle, the IBF has ordered their champion Selby to make a mandatory defense against Jonathan Victor Barros next - and a purse bid has been scheduled for next week.
But, until deals are signed, anything can happen …
“We’re still talking to both parties – there’s no fight ruled out,” Frampton said. “We’ve still got 30 days to try and do a deal behind the scenes.”
While he would love to fight Santa Cruz, the Jackal admits that is looking unlikely, adding:
“I’m not overly optimistic it’s going to happen …I don’t think he wants to come here. The Mares fight’s an easier fight for him, especially if they do it in LA,” Frampton said.
Frampton is also interested in the Selby fight, but assured fans – and potential opponents – he is certainly not short of options and he is determined to fight at home in Belfast this summer after staging his last two fights in the United States.
He continues to keep things ticking over in the gym for now, but expects to head back to London later this month to start his next training camp.
