Fresh off his split decision victory over four-year rival Scott Quigg, current IBF and WBA World super-bantamweight champion Carl Frampton looks set to make the leap to featherweight in an attempt to become a three-time world conqueror.
According to reports, and the release of Showtime's summer boxing schedule, the Belfast fight icon is poised to announce a title clash at 126lbs with current WBA featherweight kingpin Leo Santa Cruz - himself a former bantamweight and super-bantamweight champion.
Date TBA in summer but @SHOsports also close to deal for Leo Santa Cruz to defend 126 title vs. Carl Frampton. Probably in US. Great fight.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) March 11, 2016
Given the lack of suitable venues in Frampton's hometown and the financial clout of Showtime, the fight will almost certainly take place Stateside, likely on the west coast, with Santa Cruz (32-0-1, 18 KOS) having fought in either California or Nevada in 12 of his last 13 contests.
The USA will hardly be unfamiliar territory for the undefeated Frampton, either; the 29-year-old has garnered quite the following in America since recovering from two first round knockdowns to box his way past Alejandro Gonzalez in El Paso last July - a fight which was broadcast live on CBS.
Still, for the 5-foot-5 'Jackal', the jump to featherweight is a significant one, regardless of suggestions that he struggles to make super-bantam. This risk is not least prevalent when he takes on 'El Terremoto' - The Earthquake - who will carry to the ring a seven-inch reach advantage over the former Irish champion.
The scrap has been officially pencilled in for 'late summer', but like Frampton's win over Scott Quigg, this transatlantic rivalry has been brewing for some time.
It could be a cracking fight.
Carl Frampton vs Leo Santa Cruz looking likely in the US
Great fight! Who wins? RT Frampton LIKE Santa Cruz pic.twitter.com/u4HrV3zvvw— Against The Ropes (@ATRboxinguk) March 11, 2016
Showtime unveils spring/summer boxing schedule featuring Leo Santa Cruz vs. Carl Frampton https://t.co/DtapP2GFXw
— Lance Pugmire (@pugboxing) March 11, 2016
Leo Santa Cruz set to face Carl Frampton in 'late summer' https://t.co/ztOwDj2ZpQ pic.twitter.com/S7e54p3I1q
— Bad Left Hook (@badlefthook) March 11, 2016
