Carl Frampton-Andres Gutierrez set for July 29 in Belfast

Frampton (left) and Gutierrez. Photo courtesy of Press Eye

Jun

Former two-weight world titleholder Carl Frampton will return to action against Andres Gutierrez at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on July 29.

Frampton, who is currently rated No. 3 by THE RING at 126 pounds, has hinted at a homecoming bout since losing his WBA featherweight title to Leo Santa Cruz in January. “The Jackal”, who outpointed Santa Cruz last July, had hoped to entice the Mexican into a rubber match but negotiations didn’t get off the ground.

The bout with Gutierrez will be a 12-round WBC featherweight title eliminator.

“I’m delighted to be boxing at home,” Frampton said. “I believe that I perform best when I fight in Belfast and it was important for me to give the home fans another big Belfast fight. Gutierrez is one of the best in the world at my weight and this is the kind of test I wanted. He comes forward and is aggressive so I believe it’s going to be a great fight.”

Gutierrez has been inactive since scoring a sixth-round stoppage of Wallington Orobio last October. The hard-hitting Mexican’s lone defeat came against countryman, and former world title challenger, Cristian Mijares four months earlier.

The 30-year-old Frampton was named THE RING Fighter of the year for 2016.

“This is a good homecoming fight for Carl,” said Frampton’s manager, Barry McGuigan. “Gutierrez is a top-level opponent who likes to be on the front foot and is very aggressive. Carl needs this kind of test and I think it will bring the best out of him on July 29th. Carl has been in camp for a number of weeks and is already well into his preparations for this fight. It’s great to be back in Belfast, they’re the best fans in the world and they’re in for a great fight.”

Tom Gray is a UK Correspondent/ Editor for RingTV.com and a member of THE RING ratings panel. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing

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