Carl Frampton is prepared to fight Scott Quigg in Manchester to ensure their Battle of Britain goes ahead this summer.
The super bantamweight rivals have so far been unable to agree on a world title unification clash – with the venue just one stumbling block.
But IBF champion Frampton and his manager Barry McGuigan have confirmed that a fight with Quigg is now their priority.
McGuigan believes it could rival the legendary clashes between Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn in terms of generating public interest – and is determined to screen it on ITV to gain maximum exposure.
That presents another obstacle to a deal being made, with Quigg?s promoter Eddie Hearn pushing for the bout to be pay-per-view on Sky Box Office.
But the willingness of Frampton?s camp to fight in England – particularly Manchester – is an indication of their intent to reach an agreement over one of the most anticipated domestic fights in recent years.
It is also acknowledgement on McGuigan?s part that it is a contest in need of a venue capable of satisfying the public demand for tickets like the Phones 4U Arena.
Quigg dreams of one day fighting in front of his hometown fans at Bury?s Gigg Lane.
But Loftus road, where McGuigan famously defeated Eusebio Pedroza to win the WBA featherweight title in 1985, is one of a few options under consideration.
?I think the fight could be a 30,000-seater,? said McGuigan. ?You could do it at the Manchester Arena indoor with 20,000.
?The O2 in London is 19-20,000.
?QPR is 20,000 – that rings a bell.
?Our sponsor CWM sponsor Chelsea so there?s Stamford Bridge. There?s many possibilities.?
