Carl Frampton (left) and veteran British promoter Frank Warren address the boxing media during a press conference announcing Warren’s signing of the undefeated 122-pound contender to a promotional agreement on May 30, 2013 in London, England

Frank Warren has struck a blow against rival British promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom by snapping up Northern Ireland’s undefeated junior featherweight contender Carl Frampton.

Warren unveiled his new signing on Thursday as he announced details of a July 20 show at Wembley Arena, north-west London. That bill is headlined by English heavyweight Dereck Chisora’s non-title contest against unbeaten American Malik Scott.

However, it was news that 26-year-old Frampton (16-0, 11 knockouts) had swapped Hearn for Warren and will defend fight on the same bill, against an opponent to be confirmed, that has really caught the attention of the British boxing community.

Having lost WBO lightweight titleholder Ricky Burns, and top-10 contenders George Groves and Tony Bellew to Hearn’s booming Matchroom stable this year, Warren and the BoxNation channel (which broadcasts his shows and he part owns) were in a need of a major boost. Luring Frampton, THE RING’s No. 3- rated junior featherweight, in their direction definitely provides it.

“I’m really excited to be on the show at Wembley and for the opportunity to be showcased on a great channel like BoxNation,” said Frampton, who last time out beat Kiko Martinez to claim the European title. “I want to be a world champion and they will give me the platform to do it. I’ve got to keep winning and doing the business, but this is a great time for me.”

Warren believes the acquisition of one of the UK’s brightest and fastest-rising talents demonstrates that he remains a significant force in British boxing despite the recent setbacks.    

“It’s not a question of fighting back. I’m just doing what I normally do, which is promoting the best fighters around,” Warren told SunSport. “Over the last two years we’ve launched a TV channel, which has become very successful, but people seem to disregard that and think we’re on the back foot.

“However, the fact is we wanted to be in charge of our own destiny and be able to decide exactly what dates we picked to put on shows. Combined with bringing some of the best boxing from around the world to BoxNation, I think it’s been a bit of an achievement ÔÇö especially in the current economic climate.”

After his next fight, Frampton will headline three shows back in his home city Belfast. They will be co-promoted by his manager Barry McGuigan.

Hearn claims McGuigan’s desire to get involved in that side of the business led to the split from Matchroom. But former featherweight titleholder McGuigan, 52, denies that is the case.

Photo / Scott Heavey-Getty Images