Carl Frampton back in the ring this Saturday in the City of Brotherly Love

On Saturday, August 10, former featherweight world champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (26-2, 15 KO’s) returns to the ring in Philadelphia to face Mexican veteran Emmanuel Dominguez, in what he hoped would be a step towards a potential bout against undefeated, WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez.

Frampton was unsure what his next step in boxing would be after a loss to IBF champion Josh Warrington last December. However, after signing with Top Rank Boxing, he realized he’d be in line for a shot at Valdez if he could come back with a win.

So, a win in Philly and we could possibly see a great 126-pound title tussle in late 2019 or early 2020, against Valdez if he holds off on his move to 130-pounds. Or, perhaps a shot at another of the champions if Valdez journeys 4-pounds north.

However, with Valdez recently stating that it looks like he will focus on a title shot at 130-pounds, then it looks like Frampton will have to turn his attention to one of the other champions. Or, he could fight for Valdez’s vacated title?

Right now, Frampton, who is probably looking at his career on a fight-by-fight basis at this stage, knows a win opens up lots of doors for a couple bigger fights before he calls it a day.

Frampton, well aware that Valdez, or any other championship fight, would be a long, arduous affair, knows that a bout before, to gauge where he’s at, is a good idea.

Northern, Ireland’s Frampton has a court case with former manager Barry McGuigan upcoming in September over a contract dispute. Because of that significant legal distraction, many were wondering if he would be available and focused to fight this summer. But according to a recent interview it looks like it’s all systems go!

“I think some of my fans were worried that it (contract dispute) would push my ring return until maybe the end of the year”, said Frampton, “but as far as I’m concerned there is no stopping me”.

If Frampton hits the City of Brotherly Love and wins in impressive fashion, it will probably be all systems go for a Frampton title fight if Top Rank can make it happen for his next bout. While people would have loved to see an all-action Frampton/Valdez bout, unless Frampton moves up to 130-pounds, or Valdez decides he can make 126-pounds one more time, it more than likely won’t happen.

But, regardless, fight fans can look for some exciting action from “The Jackal” no matter whom he faces next.