THE long-anticipated title unification bout between Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg will take place in Manchester in early 2016.
The Belfast fighter will face Bury man Quigg at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, February 27 in a clash for the IBF and WBA World Super-Bantamweight titles.
Frampton took the IBF crown from Kiko Martinez last September and has defended the title twice this year.
He stopped Chris Avalos in his hometown in February and then made his US debut three months later with victory over Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.
He said that he’s eager to defend his title on Quigg’s territory.
“I'm delighted that we have finally got this fight signed,” said Frampton.
“This is the fight everyone has wanted for years, none more so than myself. I'm the legitimate champion and I'm going to his backyard to defend my title because that's what champions do. On February 27 the fans will find out who the real champion is, I'm going to win this fight in style.”
Barry McGuigan, Frampton’s manager, praised the confirmation of the fight as a momentous occasion for British and Irish boxing.
“This is the fight the fans have craved and the one we have wanted all along,” he said. “The atmosphere will no doubt be electric, but there is only going to be one winner on February 27, Carl 'The Jackal' Frampton!”
Quigg’s reign as WBA champion began in October 2013 and the 27-year-old has fought five successful defenses in that time, including his most recent outing in July where he stopped Martinez.
“I've finally got the fight I've wanted for so long,” said Quigg.
“February 27 will be the best night of my life. I've dedicated my life to this sport and I have never been more confident going into a fight, I know I will beat him in every department. This is a great fight for the sport and I’m delighted to bring it to Manchester and unify the division.”
