Barry McGuigan has dropped the strongest hint yet as to who is next for Carl Framtpon.

It seems as though Shingo Wake could be ‘The Jackal’s’ next foe. WBC featherweight World champion Leo Santa Cruz would the preferred option and Frampton himself is hoping for a Windsor Park hosted dust up with the well known Mexican.

However, speaking on BBC during the McGuigan admitted that facing Wake could be the 28-year-old’s most obvious fight.

“We are more inclined to go down that route,” said the Irish fight legend when asked about Wake.

The WBA have ordered Frampton to defend the strap he won by beating Scott Quigg in Manchester last Saturday night against Guillermo Rigondeaux, but the IBF have said he must face the Japanese or lose the IBF title he won by beating Kiko Martinez back in 2014.

The fact the WBA have set a date for Frampton versus former World champ ‘Rigo’, while the IBF haven’t called for purse bids suggests talks are on going between Cyclone Promotions and Wake’s people.

Granted if a mega money bout with Cruz, who like Frampton has Al Haymon links, materialises ‘The Jackal’ would most likely move up and take it, however if that ‘mega’ clash is left till later in the year Wake in Belfast this Summer seems the most likely option.