CARL Frampton has dismissed an alleged £1.5million offer made by Bury boxer Scott Quigg's promoter Eddie Hearn and demanded more talks with a view to sealing a world title unification bout this summer.
Belfast star Frampton insists the all-British bout can only take place as a co-promotion with his own Cyclone Promotions, and if an agreement cannot be reached he will instead pursue a voluntary defence of his IBF super-bantamweight crown.
Frampton said in a statement: "My team and I have been in negotiations with Matchroom Sport to co-promote this fight.
"It has been made very clear to Matchroom Sport throughout the entire negotiation period that this huge domestic fight can only take place as a co-promotion.
"It is therefore frustrating that Matchroom have deviated from negotiations with this offer."
Hearn scribbled the sum on a cheque in front of cameras yesterday in a clear attempt to speed up negotiations for the bout.
But television remains one of a number of potential sticking points with WBA champion Quigg under contract with Matchroom, who work exclusively with Sky.
Frampton, meanwhile, has been working with ITV and his last title defence in January was the first world title fight to be broadcast live on terrestrial television in the UK for seven years.
Hearn confirmed the £1.5million offer and said it was made after previous negotiations for the fight had reached a stalemate.
He said in a statement: "They (Cyclone Promotions) are right that negotiations have been ongoing but they ended last week when we hit a brick wall.
"We're frustrated. (Kell) Brook versus (Amir) Khan has fallen by the wayside and we want to make sure that this fight happens.
"We've made Carl an offer of £1.5million to fight in Manchester on July 18. There's no reason why this fight can't happen and we are willing to put the money up.
"There's no offer from them and all the revenue is being delivered by us. We have massive respect for Carl, he's a brilliant fighter that I have worked with in the past. These are two great champions and we just want to see the fight; let's get it made."
Quigg is also keen to take on IBF champion Frampton and added: "He’s now got 1.5 million reasons for him to fight me.
“This is the closest the fight has ever been, I believe he wants the fight but we'll find out. Carl – let's get this fight made.
“There's two fights in Britain that the public want – Kell Brook and Amir Khan and Carl and I – it's a great fight and we need to make it now, it would sell out that famous arena in a heartbeat and would be a hit on Sky Sports.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here