This wouldn?t be a bad fight for Carl Frampton to have prior to a third bout with Leo Santa Cruz.
That rubber match with the Mexican (it?s one-apiece at the moment) could define Frampton?s career, but with both men having just fought, a showcase at Windsor Park next summer looks the likeliest time for a trilogy to occur.
In the meantime, Frampton will likely take on a bout beforehand, having fought only once since January of this year.
Far from choosing a simple tune-up opponent, the 30-year-old may yet opt for what would be one of his most difficult challengers yet.
Nonito Donaire was once ranked third in the prestigious Ring Magazine?s pound-for-pound rankings, behind only Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
A loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux stalled his momentum, leading to two more defeats in his next eight contests, but Donaire remains one of the top ranked super bantamweights in boxing.
The Filipino called out Frampton on Twitter in a competitive yet wholly respectful manner, which the affable Belfast man responded to in kind.
As it turned out in The Jackal?s last appearance earlier this month, tune-up opponents sometimes outperform their expected showing, with Horatio Garcia taking him the distance in a bruising contest.
Taking on and defeating someone with Donaire?s danger and reputation could prove to be the right move, and propel him to larger stages once again.
