Plans in place for a Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan topped August bill

Plans are in place for Carl Frampton [27(15)-2(0)] and Michael Conlan [12(7)-0] to share a bill in August.

The Top Rank duo where set to top separate stadium cards either side of the summer, until the pandemic ruined all sporting plans, but now look on course to co feature on the same card.

Micheal Conlan suggested as much late last week stating: “There is a possibility me and Carl could be on the same card in the UK later this year, behind closed doors.”

And his brother, manager and MTK Vice President Jamie Conlan confirmed that could well be the case when speaking to the Belfast Telegraph.

The former world title challenger revealed there were plans for a five fight, Belfast hosted, all Irish card set for July over the weekend – and has now leaked news of a bigger show.

Again similar to the July card there is a lot of work to be done to ensure it gets the go ahead. Any show would have to meet British Boxing Board of Control Covid Guidelines and obviously subject to the current pandemic being under control in Belfast.

Still plans are in place and the two massive Belfast names could share a card.

“We could see Michael and Carl on the same bill in Belfast in August or September. I’ve spoken about this with Top Rank and I know that Bob Arum would like to see the two guys on a card in Las Vegas behind closed doors but I believe it would make more sense in Belfast at this current time,” said Conlan when speaking to David Kelly.

The July card will be an all Irish affair, but opponents will be flown in for the former two weight world champion and world title hopeful later in the summer.

“It would mean flying in opponents, probably from America, and putting them up in a hotel for six to eight weeks so they would have the training they needed and the testing could be done in line with the Board’s regulations so they would be ready to fight.

“You would never have thought that you would see Carl and Michael on the same card in Belfast but the coronavirus has made that a real possibility.”

Michael Conlan hadn’t ruled out the card, which looks likely to play out in a hotel, hosting world title fights.

“If a world title fight has to happen behind closed doors, then it will happen,” said the Adam Booth trained fighter.

“I am sure Carl won’t be complaining, and I wouldn’t be either. I could possibly be fighting for a belt next, so imagine the both of us fighting on the same card. Behind closed doors.

Frampton had agreed to fight Jamel Herring for the WBO super featherweight for June and Conlan was rumoured to have an August Feile fight night lined up.

However, Jamie Conlan is adamant any world title fights for either should play out in front of fans, suggesting the proposed card will host non title fights.

“In fairness to Carl and Michael, when it comes to world title fights they should really have fans in the arena.

“But they need to stay active, so that’s why we’re working on getting them out in non-title fights.

“We’re fortunate because we have the backing of ESPN+ to broadcast the bills and we are in talks with UK broadcasters about screening the shows.”