Rigondeaux: Dickens is a warrior – Frampton would rather vacate than fight me

Guillermo Rigondeaux couldn’t resist firing another verbal shot at Carl Frampton upon revealing he will fight in Britain for the first time on July 16th.

The much-lauded super bantamweight defends his WBA World title against MGM Scouser Jazza Dickens on a card that includes Jamie Conlan, Tyrone McKenna, Gary Sweeney, and is headlined by Gary Corcoran..

Dickens versus a fighter Frampton has labeled ‘the greatest amateur of all time’ is a true David versus Goliath showdown, and most expect the much-avoided Cuban to register a comprehensive victory.

Rigondeaux, who’s fought in America, Mexico, Ireland, China and Japan is keen give fans a real eye-catching display, but when speaking about his Cardiff Ice Arena-hosted World title defence he had some harsh words for Frampton.

“I am excited to announce my next fight against Jazza Dickens in the UK on July 16th. I look forward to seeing all of the great fans of the sport in the UK and giving them an unforgettable performance. It’s unfortunate this fight could not happen sooner as planned but thanks to my team, we are now prepared to put on a great show.”

He added: “I would like to thank Frank Warren, Roc Nation, as well as Caribe Promotions for putting this fight together. I would also like to thank Dickens for being a warrior, stepping up and getting in the ring, as there are not many who are courageous enough to do so. Many fighters like Carl Frampton would rather vacate their titles than face me in the ring. We are thrilled for this opportunity and are ready to give a legendary performance for all of the UK fans who have shown such strong support and love for the sport.”

Rigondeaux has been linked to ‘The Jackal’ since his Gary Hyde-managed days. The Belfast fighter has always expressed a willingness to fight a puncher he has the upmost respect for, but his team claim the financial rewards don’t match the risks involved.

Ireland’s first unified World champ was mandated to defend the WBA strap he took from Scott Quigg against ‘Rigo’, who fought Willie Casey in March of 2011, and his IBF strap against Shingo Wake.

However, he elected to move up and challenge WBA featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz in New York live on Showtime, in a clash that despite Rigondeaux’s standing among boxing purists, is more high profile, lucrative, and even potentially more exciting.