Top Rank picks up Warrington-Frampton for ESPN+

Yesterday Top Rank officially announced that they have secured the American broadcast rights for the Josh Warrington vs. Carl Frampton card set for Dec. 22 in Manchester, England. Top Rank will stream the card live on ESPN+ as part of their deal with the platform, starting at 3 p.m. ET.

In the main event Warrington (27-0, 6 KOs) will be defending his IBF featherweight title for the first time since beating Lee Selby for the strap back in May, and Warrington expressed his enthusiasm for getting exposure to the American audience.

“I am truly honored that ESPN+ will be showing my fight,” Warrington said. “I announced myself onto the world stage by winning the world title, and now I want to show the American audience who Josh Warrington is by beating Carl Frampton. The long-term aim is to fight in the United States, so this is preparing the audience. The fans are going to witness something special on Dec. 22.”

Meanwhile Frampton (26-1, 15 KOs), will be attempting to win his second major world title at featherweight — the first of which he won against Leo Santa Cruz back in mid-2016.

“It is always a thrill to know that your fights are being showcased to an American audience, and I fully believe they will see something special from me on Dec. 22 when I become a two-time world champion at featherweight,” Frampton said. “Then, I will look to unify against one of the top American world titleholders in 2019.”

Also on the card will be Irish prospect Michael Conlan (9-0, 6 KOs), who will be taking on an opponent to be determined. Tommy Fury, the younger brother of Tyson Fury, will be making his professional debut on the card as well. He too will be in against an opponent to be determined.