- GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX
IT feels like the masterful Cuban has been calling out Carl Frampton for years. In pure boxing terms, it’s a tremendous fight.
Few can match Guillermo Rigondeaux’s counter-punching ability but Frampton has real power and the Cuban has been put down before.
There are obstacles however. For a start Frampton has moved up to featherweight and he’s reached a new level of fame. His team will want major fights. Rigondeaux might not have the financial clout or profile now to tempt Frampton to take the risk.
- GARY RUSSELL JR
The WBC featherweight champion had fast hands and most recently destroyed Patrick Hyland in two rounds. If Frampton wants to continue making his name in America, a unification against Russell Jr, who’s only loss has been to Vasyl Lomachenko (which is no great disgrace), could be appealing to him.
- OSCAR VALDEZ
Mexico could have a new hero on its hands in Oscar Valdez, an articulate personality who has dazzled at times in the ring. Valdez is quick, dangerous and exciting to watch in action.
He has picked up the WBO featherweight crown vacated by Lomachenko and would surely guarantee a thrilling spectacle if matched against Frampton.
Carl might have too much experience and ringcraft for the rising Mexican though.
- LEE SELBY
After settling matters with Scott Quigg at super-bantamweight, there’s a natural domestic rival for Frampton at featherweight. Lee Selby from Wales is the IBF featherweight champion and craves a big fight. Selby is skilled, though occasionally loses concentration and lets shots through. He doesn’t have Frampton’s explosive power but is taller, big for the weight. They’re both advised by the influential Al Haymon, so it should be an easy fight to make.
- LEO SANTA CRUZ
It was a thriller with a tremendous atmosphere in New York, why not do it again?
Frampton showed he could hurt and outbox Santa Cruz, while the Mexican managed to work his way back into the fight. He made it close, although Frampton deserved the decision.
Both could learn from their mistakes and improve for a second clash for the WBA featherweight title. Frampton deserves a major homecoming bout and imagine the atmosphere in Belfast for this.
