DESPITE outlining his intention to take his career into his own hands, Carl Frampton remains under contract with Cyclone Promotions, The Irish News understands.
On Tuesday ‘The Jackal’ posted a statement on Twitter claiming that he had “parted company” with Cyclone and manager Barry McGuigan, bringing an end to their hugely successful eight-year partnership.
No reference was made to Shane McGuigan in the statement, but the 2016 trainer of the year has since removed Frampton from the list of fighters on his Twitter biog, suggesting their working relationship has also come to an end.
It remains to be seen what direction Frampton takes in the future, as he bids to get back to the top of the featherweight division having lost his WBA world title in last January’s Las Vegas rematch with Leo Santa Cruz.
It has been suggested that a tilt at current IBF belt holder Lee Selby may be next on the agenda, possibly later this year.
However, the waters could be muddied by any outstanding contract still in place with Cyclone who – like Frampton - were unavailable for comment when contacted yesterday.
The 30-year-old’s Twitter statement suggested he planned to take control of his own affairs in what are the crucial final years of an already outstanding career.
And leading promoters Eddie Hearn (Matchroom), Frank Warren (Queensbury Promotions) and Matthew Macklin (MTK) have all publicly declared their interest in working with the Tiger’s Bay fighter.
Of the potential match-ups out there, a ‘Battle of Britain’ with Selby has long been on the cards, although recent developments could also reopen the possibility of a third bout with Santa Cruz.
The Los Angeles-based Mexican had been expected to face Abner Mares on October 7 in a rematch of their 2015 showdown, but that looks to have fallen by the wayside after the parties failed to come to a financial agreement.
As a result, the door could be open for a trilogy fight with Frampton to take place before the end of the year as ‘The Jackal’ bids to avenge the sole defeat of his career.
