Showtime interested in Frampton v Donaire

It seems an inspired choice of opponent.

Nonito Donaire is set to come to Belfast to take on Carl Frampton on April 7th and provides ‘The Jackal’ with the chance to put a World name on his CV while keeping himself relevant Stateside ahead of a potential IBF featherweight title fight in Windsor Park in August.

Although some suggest he is past his peak, former pound for pound star and four-weight world champion Donaire remains box office to an extent and could be deemed the biggest ‘name’ that Frampton has ever faced.

As things stand the Filipino brings a lot to the table, but it has been suggested that he might play a part in bringing even more.

A fight between Frampton and Donaire appeals to Showtime and trading leather with ‘The Filipino Flash’ may just lead to Belfast boxer being afforded another chance to impress the watching American public on a major cable network.

In that regard, victory and an impressive performance on April 7th could massively help his Leo Santa Cruz trilogy aspirations too.

Showtime boss Stephen Espinoza has revealed an interest in showing the fight which looks set to take place at the SSE Odyssey Arena.

Asked about the possibility of airing the fight, the Head of Showtime Sports told BoxingScene “I think so.”

“It was announced right before the holidays so we didn’t have any discussions about it but Donaire’s always been very talented, very athletic and he has a couple of good wins under his belt. He’s a big guy, he’s a tall order for Carl Frampton regardless of his inactivity.

“I think it’s an intriguing fight and I would definitely be interested in that business.”