Frampton set to make title defence in Belfast

A spring world-title date for Carl Frampton against American Chris Avalos could lead to a summer showdown against English rival Scott Quigg.

Frampton looks likely to make the first defence of his IBF super-bantamweight world championship at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena in February, although promotional issues have still yet to be finalised.

Promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping to stage both events but the Matchroom Sports chief has yet to agree terms with the champion’s manager, Barry McGuigan, and the pair have a notoriously hostile relationship.