Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Carl Frampton has asked for a ‘neutral venue’ for a possible fight with Scott Quigg as negotiations edge closer.
Both camps have recently been in positive talks about a domestic clash between the two super-bantamweight world champions and promoter Hearn has recently raised fresh hope that the fight could finally happen in 2016.
However the pair still have to overcome a number of sticking points, including a possible location and venue for a bout between Bury man Quigg and Belfast’s Frampton.
Initial plans for a Manchester venue appear to have been pushed back as Frampton wants the fight to take place away from his opponent’s hometown with it going ahead in a neutral venue, despite the offer of a bigger purse split.
When asked about the remaining obstacles for the fight, Hearn went onto say “We are slowly jumping over them but it doesn’t mean we are there. But there is certainly a desire from both sides to make this fight happen.
“Originally Carl stated he would be happy to take a 60-40 split in Manchester, but now they have said it has to be a neutral venue.
“That may be a problem but I think it’s understandable because now they know what type of fight this will be.”
Filipino Nonito Donaire has been considered as a possible alternative opponent for Quigg, who chose not to defend his WBA title in November while negotiations continue, and Frampton is yet to decide on a possible clash with mandatory challenger Shingo Wake.
Frampton who is managed by Barry McGuigan and his sons, had been non-committal about the Quigg fight, but a reluctant Hearn remains hopeful that the fight can still be made.
“Talks are underway and have been for a while but it’s just a case if they both fight in December – separately – or they go straight into a fight in January or February,” he said.
“We are in talks with Nonito Donaire, but with the Frampton fight looking likely we are not going to commit to that unless the Frampton fight is dead.
“In negotiations like these you have to overcome different egos and let’s be honest, with me, Barry McGuigan, Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton we are in ego overdrive.”
