Philippines, 02 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


FIREWORKS IN BELFAST: DONAIRE VS. FRAMPTON, THE BATTLE OF THE FIGHTERS OF THE YEAR


PhilBoxing.com




Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KO?s) fights Filipino four-division world champion Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KO?s) at SSE Arena in Belfast on April 21 and this magnificent showdown will be one of the greatest boxing bouts scheduled in Belfast in the recent fights. ?It?s a brilliant fight, a four-weight world champion against a two-weight world champion,? said Frampton as quoted by BoxingScene.

* * *

Frampton says there's no other popular fighter coming to Belfast than the Filipino Flash. "I don?t think there?s been a bigger name than Nonito Donaire and he?s coming to fight a local guy in his hometown," added Frampton. ?But I think both of us are in the same situation ? a slip-up here and one of us might never fight for a world title again. There?s a lot on the line for both guys.?

* * *

"The Jackal" Frampton is set to fight at the Windsor Park this summer, and he believes a win over Donaire would be good preparation for a world title bout against the winner of the scheduled IBF championship clash between Lee Selby and Josh Warrington. Lately, Frampton came from a 10-round decision win over Mexican Horacio Garcia last month after the Northern Irishman's loss of his WBA world featherweight crown to Leo Santa Cruz.

* * *

Frampton is confident that victory over Donaire will propel his competency as a professional fighter because of the Filipino's track record as a champion. ?He?s been at the top of four divisions, but he was in the same weight division as me for quite a while and he?s someone I?ve always kept an eye on,? said the Belfast fighter. ?He?s someone I admire as well and I think he?s a great fighter, but I think this is the perfect fight to get me ready for a world title fight in the summer.?

* * *

While Donaire has incurred three losses since being awarded 2012 Fighter of the Year by The Ring, ESPN and the Boxing Writers? Association of America, and Frampton likewise grabbed the same honors in 2016, the ?Filipino Flash? is eager to prove that he is still a force to reckon with at 126lbs. ?This is exactly the type of fight I live for, going in against one of the best in the world in the lion?s den of his hometown of Belfast,? said Donaire.

* * *

?I can?t wait for the first bell! I know I?ll have to be the best I can be on fight night. Make no mistake, I?m already training like never before," added the 35-year-old Donaire. ?I plan to put on a spectacular show for my fans, his fans and boxing fans ingeneral. When I walk out of the ring victorious, it will have all been worth it."

* * *

?Belfast fight fans are to be in for another treat on April 21st.," said promoter Frank Warren. "This is a guaranteed barn burner between two elite Featherweights. Both men have held multiple World Titles and know that a win will lead to another shot at world glory." Warren said they promised Frampton something big if he hurdles Donaire. ?If Carl comes through this fight then it?s the big one at Windsor Park in the summer next. That is what we promised him and that is what we will deliver if he gets the win in April.?

* * *

Richard Schaefer, founder of Ringstar Sports added that this going to be an explosive fight between two stylist featherweights ?This is a fight between two of the best featherweights in the world, with multiple world titles between them. These are two fighters who are never boring in the ring, two fighters who come forward and love to engage. If styles make fights, well it doesn't get any better than this! On April 21st it will be 'Fireworks in Belfast? and boxing fans from around the world will be in for a treat."

* * *

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum still has to reach an agreement on the terms with Terence Crawford and his team. Jeff Horn and his trainer Glenn Rushton had been planning the possibility of fighting Anthony Mundine, which could make him earn $2 million, much more than the amount originally offered for the fight with Crawford. But if he would duck Crawford as a mandatory challenger to his title, then he would have to vacate the WBO champion's seat.

* * *

Mundine is scheduled to battle fellow Australian Tommy Browne next week in Sydney. ?We weren?t saying no but there?s too many ifs,? Rushton said. ?What if he loses to Tommy Browne? What if he gets injured? What if he doesn?t come up with the money? What if he doesn?t withstand the preparation? Then we?ve missed the opportunity with Crawford."

* * *

Horn has not resumed training after his wife Jo delivered their first child, Isabelle, just before the New Year. ?He?s enjoying fatherhood, he loves it,? Rushton said.?I just want him to keep doing that for a little bit longer because we?ve got a big preparation in front of us." Horn's trainer said they are hoing to face another giant in Crawford. "We?ve always said we want the big fights and they don?t come any bigger than this one. Here we are now, standing in front of another goliath.?


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Rene “Chulo” Santiago, Masataka Taniguchi Officially Make Weight for Friday’s Unified World Title Clash in Tokyo
    , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • Marlon Tapales and Yukinori Oguni Make Weight in Clash of Former World Champions
    , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • Taduran in high spirits ahead of title defense in California
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • Waiting to beat Floyd
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • 20th Philippine Xiangqi Open tournament on May 1
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • Can Tapales Overpower Oguni to Increase his Chances of Another World Title Fight?
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • BROWN-DUCAR PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AHEAD OF FRIDAY'S ALTRINCHAM FIGHT NIGHT
    , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • Wise Owl Boxing Makes Headlines Again with Signing of Former World Champion  Julio Cesar “El Rey” Martinez
    , Thu, 02 Apr 2026
  • Santiago-Taniguchi Final Presser
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Jimuel in Action on Friday!
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • “Rumble in the Une” Makes History in Union City with Star-Studded Fight Card Headlined by Jacob Macalolooy
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Is Floyd chickening out?
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Bacaro to challenge Toyoshima on April 4
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • IBA steps forward as potential organiser for Bivol vs Beterbiev trilogy bout
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • PBF president Almario dies
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • Portland Trail Blazers have new owner after $4.25 billion sale
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • PH chess wizard seven-year old Noah Lucas Palcis finishes second in Bangkok chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • 2 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 01 Apr 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 MARCH 2026: Itauma Destroys Franklin in 5; Fundora Dismantles Thurman in 6
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Panamanian WBC Judge Jesus Aleman murdered in Panama
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • ‘I won’t be holding anything back! – Big Bad Bazley challenges The Pilgrim Ryan Williams for Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • ZAYAS AND BOOTS CLASH IN UNIFIED BLOCKBUSTER AT BARCLAYS CENTER, BROOKLYN ON JUNE 27 – LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON DAZN PPV
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Full Card to Join Taduran Vs. Perez on Friday, April 3, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Live on ESPN Knockout
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • 13-0 prospect Marco Romero hasn’t lost a Fight in nearly 7 years and he’s only 20
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026
  • WORLD ELITE SUMO ANNOUNCES NEW DATE – SATURDAY, MAY 16 – FOR LIVE PROFESSIONAL SUMO EVENT AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER
    , Tue, 31 Mar 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.