The wait for UK fans is at last over as it’s been officially announced that super-bantamweight rivals, Carl Frampton and Scott Quigg are set to meet in a huge IBF/WBA unification early next year.
After much to-ing and fro-ing between the two camps over recent weeks and months, a February 27th date for the fight at the Manchester Arena was announced live on Sky Sports News in the UK this afternoon.
Fears that the unavailability of a suitable neutral venue to stage the clash would put the kibosh on the fight proved unfounded, when Frampton – who was the one pressing for it – evidently realised a small army will follow him over from Belfast regardless to even up – and perhaps exceed – the numbers, for what is sure to be an electric atmosphere inside the venue on fight night.
“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, ” he said as the fight was signed.
The recent news that unbeaten Cuban standout, Guillermo Rigondeaux, has been downgraded by the WBA to ‘champion in recess’ status paved the way for the unification to take place with Quigg’s 2nd tier title being upgraded.
“I’ve finally got the fight I’ve wanted for so long – February 27 will be the best night of my life,” the Bury native said. “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.”
Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn has thrashed out the deal with Frampton’s manager, Barry McGuigan, who said.
“It will be a momentous occasion for British and Irish boxing. This is the fight the fans have craved and the one we have wanted all along. The atmosphere will no doubt be electric, but there is only going to be one winner on February 27, Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton!”
“Yes! All I can say is yes – get in!,” said Hearn. “This is been hard work but worth every second. I want to thank everyone involved for their desire in making this fight happen and now we have an event that will go down in the history of the sport.
“Two world champions, two fantastic fighters collide at the Manchester Arena. Can you even imagine the atmosphere, the tension, the drama? This is what it’s all about, roll on fight night! Scott Quigg has all the momentum going into the fight and will be crowned unified world champion on February 27.”
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