The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Frampton pushes Hearn offer aside
CARL FRAMPTON has dismissed an alleged £1.5 million offer made by Scott Quigg’s boxing promoter Eddie Hearn and demanded more talks with a view to sealing a world title unification bout this summer.
Belfast star Frampton insists the allBritish bout can only take place as a co-promotion with his own Cyclone Promotions, and if an agreement cannot be reached he will instead pursue a voluntary defence of his IBF super-bantamweight crown.
Frampton said in a statement: “My team and I have been in negotiations with Matchroom Sport to co-promote this fight.
“It has been made very clear to Matchroom Sport throughout the entire negotiation period that this huge domestic fight can only take place as a co-promotion.
“It is therefore frustrating that Matchroom have deviated from negotiations with this offer.”
Hearn scribbled the sum on a cheque in front of cameras yesterday in a clear attempt to speed up negotiations for the bout.
But television remains one of a number of potential sticking points with WBA champion Quigg under contract with Matchroom who work exclusively with Sky.
Frampton, meanwhile, has been working with ITV and his last title defence in January was the first world title fight to be broadcast live on terrestrial TV in the UK for seven years.
Natasha Jonas, the first female boxer to represent Great Britain in an Olympic Games, has announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 30.