Carl Frampton will attempt to become a three-weight world champion when he finally faces WBO Super Featherweight world champion, Carl Frampton in London, on February 27, live on BT Sport in the UK.
Herring (22-2, 10 KOs) and Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs) were set to collide in June in Belfast, however the fight has been delayed eight months, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Both Top Rank stablemates have fought in the interim, with Frampton stopping Darren Traynor in seven rounds at York Hall, whilst his American foe overcame Jonathan Oquendo, who was disqualified after eight rounds for intentional headbutts at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Frampton fights for the first time at 130lbs, after holding world titles at Super Bantamweight and Featherweight, and has won two on the bounce since defeat to Josh Warrington in an IBF Featherweight title challenge.
‘The Jackal’ will make history by becoming Ireland’s first three-weight world champion with victory and the 33-year-old insists he is determined to achieve the feat.
“I’m delighted to finally get a date nailed down for this fight that has now been talked about for over a year,” Frampton said.
“I have the upmost respect for Jamel as a fighter and as a man but there is nobody stopping me on becoming the island of Irelands only ever 3 weight world champ, one of Britain’s only ever 3 weight world champions and potentially have one foot in the hall of fame.”
Herring, a former US Marine, claimed the WBO crown with a points win over Masayuki Ito in May 2019 and has retained his belt twice.
‘Semper Fi’ has been sparring with stablemate and WBO Welterweight world champion, Terence Crawford in preparation and whilst he admits he has the upmost respect for his opponent, the 35-year-old has vowed to return to the USA with his title.
“I’m really excited that the fight is finally happening, more importantly it’ll be an honor to share the ring with a true warrior, and class act such as Carl Frampton,” Herring said.
“It may be the biggest fight of my career to date, but I’ll be more than ready for the task ahead.
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“There’s a lot on the line, and I know he’s aiming to make history, but he’ll have to wait another day, because I plan on returning home with my title in hand.
“I’ve been training very hard for this fight, and went back to what got me to my world title from sparring the likes of Terence Crawford and other top talent across the nation. I can’t wait to put on a great show!”
Frampton’s co-Promoter Frank Warren said: “I am thrilled we are able to deliver this huge opportunity for Carl to reinforce his position as the top Irish fighter of his or any other generation.
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“Carl has been and is a tremendous ambassador for the sport and his huge following is testament to the qualities he shows in and out of the ring.
“The only downside to this fight coming about now is that he will be going into battle without his legion of Belfast fans roaring him on.
“For Carl to become a three-weight world champion would really be something else and in many ways a fitting finale to a magnificent career, although it might not quite be the end of the story.
“Herring is a top fighter and a gentleman who we are looking forward to welcoming over for a huge night on BT Sport.”
MTK Global CEO Bob Yalen said: “February 27th promises to be a spectacular night of boxing for all fight fans as the ‘Pride of the Marines’ defends his title against the ‘Pride of Belfast’.
“Carl is bidding to become only the fourth fighter from the UK, and the very first from Northern Ireland, to win World Titles in three weight divisions, and so history beckons him and will drive him in his bid to win that third crown.
“This is an excellent match-up of two outstanding ring technicians and well worth the wait.”
The winner of the fight is likely to face former WBO Featherweight champion, Shakur Stevenson who cemented his position as mandatory challenger with victory over Toka Kahn Clary in December.
A week earlier, WBC Super Featherweight champion, Miguel Berchelt will defend his title in a rescheduled, all-Mexican showdown against Oscar Valdez, whilst IBF titlist, Jo Jo Diaz puts his strap on the line Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov on February 13.
Can’t really say I’m excited to fight behind closed doors, in a great country such as the UK 🇬🇧, but I am excited to jump into a huge matchup. For now I’m just going to focus, and ignore all distractions. Stay blessed. #SemperFi 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sulMBxL2Yg
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) January 12, 2021
Herring vs Frampton will be Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions’ first show of 2021, in association with MTK Global.
The bout, which is the first announced since the British Boxing Board of Control announced their February return on Monday, is likely to be staged behind closed doors, with the UK currently in a third national lockdown.
