Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire set for Belfast showdown in April

The Jackal's next opponent is a former four-weight world champion.

Carl Frampton will fight Nonito Donaire in Belfast on April 7 at Belfast's SSE Arena. The 35-year-old Filipino, who has won flyweight, bantamweight, super-bantamweight and featherweight world titles in the past, should offer a stern examination of Frampton's credentials, boasting an impressive professional record of 38-4, including four wins in his last five fights. The bout marks another step in Frampton's return. It's been a forgettable year for the Belfast fighter, with the rematch defeat to Leo Santa Cruz back in January followed by failing to make the weight for his fight with Andres Gutierrez in August and a messy split from Cyclone Promotions. https://twitter.com/MichaelBensonn/status/943803355851354112 He made his return to the ring in November, beating Horacio Garcia on points, another fight held at the SSE Arena. Donaire will be a tough opponent for Frampton, with the veteran having won seven world titles during his 17 year-long career. Frampton is hoping a win will push him closer to his dream bout - challenging for a world belt at Windsor Park stadium in Belfast next summer. Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the news at a press conference for Billy Joe Saunders' homecoming.

"On 7 April we'll be in Belfast where Carl Frampton will be fighting Donaire. It's a real cracking fight, a good fight for him and we'll be giving further details in the new year."

Frampton is expected to go on to fight either Lee Selby or Josh Warrington, who will meet each other in Leeds next year, according to Warren.

"Selby-Warrington is a done deal, that's signed, and we'll be announcing a date for that in the next few weeks. It'll be in Leeds."