A public event is to be held at the Waterfront Hall to allow the Belfast public to celebrate world champion boxer Carl Frampton.

The Tiger's Bay man won the WBA super-bantamweight title after a split points decision against Scott Quigg in Manchester last month, as well as defending his IBF belt in the much-anticipated unification fight.

Belfast Deputy Mayor Guy Spence proposed that Belfast City Council host an event to celebrate the "people's champion".

He said he had the privilege of being in Manchester for the bout and now wanted to make sure the people of Belfast got an opportunity to show their pride in the fighter and celebrate along with him.

A date for the bash is still being decided upon between Belfast City Council and Frampton's management team. Council minutes reveal that it has been agreed to hold a public event at the Waterfront Hall on a date suitable to all parties.

Frampton received his MBE at Buckingham Palace earlier this month, on what he called a "very proud day".

Talks are reported to be ongoing between Frampton's team and world featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz, with the suggestion that the Jackal may go up a weight division.

Shane McGuigan - who trains Frampton - says nothing has been agreed yet and the Jackal has plenty of options.

"There has been talk of Santa Cruz but nothing has been agreed yet - so we will have to wait and see what happens, and see if they can get that fight made," he said.

"If not Carl has mandatories with Shingo Wake with the IBF and Guillermo Rigondeaux with the WBA.

"There is also Nonito Donaire who is about to fight for the vacant WBO world title and there is WBC world champion Hugo Ruiz."

Meanwhile, a civic reception for Frampton is also set to be held by Armagh City and Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Frampton currently lives in Banbridge with his wife Christine and two children.

DUP group leader on the council Carla Lockhart said she is "delighted" that the proposal was passed unanimously.

"To see Carl recognised in this manner is very fitting and I am personally looking forward to meeting him and his family," she said.

"He has been a great ambassador for the area and for Northern Ireland."

Belfast Telegraph