Carl Frampton vs. Nonito Donaire in the works for Apr.7

By Jeff Aranow: Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs) and former 5 division world champion Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs) are in talks for a fight on April 7 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Frampton vs. Donaire fight would be at featherweight. Frampton-Donaire could wind up being televised by Showtime Boxing in the U.S.

This will be the first time Donaire has fought in Europe. Donaire had mostly fought in the U.S from 2001 to 2012. However, since Donaire’s 12 round decision loss to Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2013, he’s been a road warrior, traveling to Macao, Philippines and Puerto Rico for fights.

The 35-year-old Donaire is excited about the bout, as it’s an opportunity for him to get a big win that will rebuild his career. Donaire is catching Frampton at the right time in his career with him coming off 5 consecutive less than impressive performances against Horacio Garcia, Leo Santa Cruz [x 2], Scott Quigg and Alejandro Gonzalez Jr.

Donaire won his last fight at featherweight in beating Ruben Garcia Hernandez by a 10 round unanimous decision on September 23. In Donaire’s fight before that, he’d been beaten easily by Jessie Magdaleno by a 12 round unanimous decision in November of last year. Donaire at least went the distance. A lot of the guys Magdaleno is fighting now can’t go 12 rounds with him.

“I’ve been in communications with Frampton’s promoter, with Frank Warren, and there is an interest in getting that fight done,” said Richard Schaefer of RingStar Promotions to RingTV.com. “I think both of those guys are up for the fight. Frank said he’ll get back to me with the (purse) number. Nonito would be happy to go to Belfast.”

This is an inconvenient time for Frampton to be taking on a big puncher like Donaire. Frampton is coming off of a controversial 10 round unanimous decision on November 18 against Horacio Garcia in Belfast. Garcia knocked Frampton down in round 7, and controlled most of the fight with his pressure, power, youth and determination. Frampton had problems with Garcia putting him under so much pressure. Frampton looked like he wasn’t fully prepared for the kind of effort from Garcia.

The 27-year-old Garcia attacked Frampton all night long in the same way Scott Quigg and Leo Santa Cruz had done. The result saw Frampton wearing down like an old clock. By the time 10th round, Frampton looked spent and on the verge of defeat. Fortunately for Frampton, the judges gave him the decision win. It didn’t look like he’d won it, but the judges still gave him the nod. Frampton was the home fighter and that often counts for something.

Donaire still has all of his punching power in his arsenal. If he catches Frampton with one of his big shots, he could knock him out. Donaire will have the speed and power advantage over Frampton in his fight.