Former two-division champion Carl Frampton has announced an exclusive deal with Top Rank that will bring his next several fights to ESPN.
The 32-year-old Frampton is seeking a high-profile final championship run after losing a unanimous decision to IBF title-holder Josh Warrington in December. The multi-fight deal will have added promotional muscle from MTK Global and Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
“It’s an honor for me to be teaming up with Top Rank for what will be the last chapter of my career,” Frampton said. “A credit to my management team, MTK Global, on being able to get me a deal with the biggest boxing promotional company on the planet. It also makes a fight with WBO champion Oscar Valdez a real possibility. My goal, at this stage of my career, is still to become world champion and I feel I’ll reach my goal with MTK and Bob Arum’s Top Rank in my corner.”
The undefeated Valdez ended an 11-month sabbatical last month to knock out Carmine Tommasone in seven rounds. Valdez and Frampton both hold decision victories over Scott Quigg.
This deal is also the second marquee co-promotional agreement between Queensberry and Top Rank, following last month’s Tyson Fury signing.
“It’s wonderful news that Carl Frampton has joined us at Top Rank,” said Arum. “He is the epitome of a true warrior, and we are proud to be promoting him as he works toward becoming the featherweight champion of the world once again.”
“The enormous platform offered by ESPN in the USA is the perfect place for Carl to showcase he still has everything to offer at the top level,” added Warren. “We fully share Carl’s belief that he can become a world champion again. He showed tremendous heart against Josh Warrington in December, and they could well end up meeting again down the line in a huge unification. UK fans can look forward to watching every step of Carl’s American adventure live on BT Sport.”
An announcement on Frampton’s next fight is expected in the coming weeks.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 
Not too surprising as Fury who is also with Frank Warren/BT Sports also signed TV deals with Top Rank…
True and a good move for both. I’m thinking Frampton gets two comeback bouts and faces Valdez in late this year or early 2020.