Carl Frampton in talks with Leo Santa Cruz over clash in summer

Carl Frampton is expected to face WBA featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz in the summer after American television channel Showtime announced that the clash was on their schedule for later in 2016.

Last month, Frampton scored a split-decision victory over Scott Quigg to add the WBA super-bantamweight belt to his IBF title, leaving him with obligations to face either Guillermo Rigondeaux or Shingo Wake.

However, it is likely that the Northern Irishman will have to relinquish both of his world titles if he is to face fellow unbeaten fighter Santa Cruz, who recently moved up to featherweight after a long reign at super-bantamweight.

No date or venue has been revealed, but with Showtime including the bout in a long list of matches for the next few months - which includes another Stateside appearance for James DeGale - an announcement is expected in due course.