CARL FRAMPTON has revealed WBO champion Oscar Valdez is his targeted next opponent, but does not rule out the possibility of facing the winner of Lee Selby and Josh Warrington.
Frampton beat former four weight world champion Nonito Donaire in Belfast last month and captured the WBO interim featherweight title along the way, subsequently mandating the Irishman to be next in line for Valdez.
Valdez beat former Frampton foe Scott Quigg in March while defending his title, but the Mexican suffered a broken jaw along the way, something ‘The Jackal’ believes could hinder a potential showdown.
“Valdez is very appealing to me but I don’t know the situation with his jaw,” Frampton said. “It’s not really looking like he’ll be ready for August, if he was then I’d love that fight.
“I think it’s a big fight it’s in terms of the world boxing scene it’s much bigger than Selby versus Warrington, I think the Valdez fight is huge.”
Despite favouring another world title shot in challenging Valdez, Frampton admitted he will have one eye on the winner of Selby versus Warrington which takes place on May 19 at Eland Road in Leeds.
“I’m not going to turn my nose up at the winner of Selby, Warrington I think that’s a great fight as well.
“Of course if the Valdez one doesn’t come off then the next one to make is Warrington and I think it shouldn’t be too hard to make considering we’ll all with the same team, so I think that’ll be the one if Valdez doesn’t come off.”
Frampton revealed he believes Selby should come through the fight but acknowledges Warrington has much to offer.
He said, “I think Selby should win I think he’s the more polished boxer, he’s more skilled but I think Selby’s been doing the weight for a long time and he’s a massive featherweight and I think that at some point it will catch up on him.
“I think Warrington is fit, gritty, tough and determined plus he’ll have the Leeds fans behind him and I think that makes the fight closer than it would’ve been a year ago, but i think Selby should still have enough to win the fight.”
Whoever may be next for Frampton, the two-weight world champion has made it clear his sights are set on a summer clash at Windsor Park, Belfast.
“August would be ideal” he said.
“August sort of time because I want to do it at Windsor and that’s outdoor and there’s not too many months in the year when you can’t fight outdoor in Belfast.”
