British super-bantamweight rivals Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton have finally agreed a huge world title unification clash for February 2016.
Bury’s WBA champion Quigg and Northern Irishman Frampton, the IBF holder, have publicly baited each other for years without actually making the fight happen.
However, the blockbuster bout has finally been confirmed and the pair will meet at the Manchester Arena on February 27th next year.
Frampton said: “I’m delighted that we have finally got this fight signed.
“This is the fight everyone has wanted for years, none more so than myself. I’m the legitimate champion and I’m going to his backyard to defend my title because that’s what champions do. On February 27th the fans will find out who the real champion is, I’m going to win this fight in style.”
Quigg, meanwhile, is relishing home advantage.
“I’ve finally got the fight I’ve wanted for so long,” he said.
“It will be the best night of my life. I’ve dedicated my life to this sport and I have never been more confident going into a fight, I know I will beat him in every department.
“This is a great fight for the sport and I’m delighted to bring it to Manchester and unify the division.”
The two unbeaten world champions, who share a mutual respect despite their rivalry, have been competing with each other since the early days of their careers but managerial, promotional and financial hurdles had always scuppered the hugely-anticipated showdown.
An agreement has finally been reached, however, with Quigg's promoter Eddie Hearn saying: "This has been hard work but worth every second.
“I want to thank everyone involved for their desire in making this fight happen and now we have an event that will go down in the history of the sport. Two world champions, two fantastic fighters collide at the Manchester Arena.
“Can you even imagine the atmosphere, the tension, the drama? This is what it’s all about, roll on fight night!
“Scott Quigg has all the momentum going into the fight and will be crowned unified world champion on February 27th.”
Frampton’s manager Barry McGuigan, whose son trains the Belfast fighter, added: “I’m very pleased that we’ve managed to get this fight made.
“It will be a momentous occasion for British and Irish boxing. This is the fight the fans have craved and the one we have wanted all along. The atmosphere will no doubt be electric, but there is only going to be one winner (Frampton) on February 27th.”
