By Edward Chaykovsky
The very anticipated UK mega-bout between super bantamweight champions Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg is finally coming together, according to both sides.
Quigg's trainer, Joe Gallagher, says the contest is being negotiated for the Manchester Arena. Two dates have been mentioned to him, February 20 and February 27.
If everything is agreed upon, Frampton (21-0, 14 KOs) vs. Quigg (31-0-2, 23 KOs) would easily become the biggest British showdown since the May 2014 super middleweight rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves, which drew 80,000 fans to Wembley.
Their respective promoters, Eddie Hearn [for Quigg] and Barry McGuigan [for Frampton], have both confirmed the positive nature of their discussions and the likelihood of a deal finally being reached.
Both fighters are riding career hot streaks with solid victories in the last two years. Although both fighters are champions, the fight is not going to be a unification. The IBF, who have Frampton as their champion, are not recognizing the bout as a unification because Quigg is only the WBA "regular" champion at 122. The recognized WBA beltholder is "super" champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
"There has been lots of talks over the last couple years but finally it looks like it will happen," Gallagher told Nick Parksinon.
"There will be lots of trash talk, lots of hype and lots of build up. It will be an event, and it's the British equivalent to Erik Morales-Marco Antonio Barrera.
"I'm hearing they are talking about February 20 or February 27 and it will be the biggest fight of the year. The fighters won't care where it is once the bell goes but if it's at the Manchester Arena they split it half way for the fans."
