Carl Frampton vs Vahram Vardanyan, Michael Conlan vs Sofiane Takoucht set for August 15th

As expected, Irish standouts Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan will share a Belfast card on August 15th. Frampton is set to face Latvia’s Vahram Vardanyan, while Michael Conlan’s previously reported matchup with former title challenger Sofiane Takoucht is now official. Archie Sharp vs. Jeff Ofori headlines.

Vardanyan (21-1-1, 14 KO) has among the most padded records in recent memories. He didn’t fight anyone with a winning record until his 19th pro fight and seven of his wins came against debuting opponents; in one case, he fought a debuting fighter and then fought the same man again in his next bout. His loss came against 9-30-3 Alexander Saltykov, whose record is now 12-59-3 with 45 stoppage defeats.

Frampton (27-2, 15 KO) claims he wasn’t the first choice.

“We had maybe six other guys who said no, just didn’t want the fight,” said Frampton. “He is a dangerous guy because he’s a puncher, so I need to be at my best. Obviously the objective is to beat him convincingly and get the Jamel Herring fight off the back of it, but I must be focused on him completely.”

We’ve been over Conlan (13-0, 7 KO) vs. Takoucht (35-4-1, 13 KO), which is nearly as big a mismatch.

“The shape I came into training camp in was fantastic,” said Conlan. “I have never come in fitter or in better condition. I am excited. Lockdown did me a lot of good. I can’t take my eyes away from Sofiane Takoucht because if i don’t beat this guy then the next fight doesn’t happen. That’s just the way boxing is. I don’t want to look too far ahead and think I’m already there, I’ve got to beat what’s in front of me which is a tough opponent.”

Conlan is “considering” a drop to 122, where the WBO now have him ranked.

BoxRec also lists Troy Williamson vs Michael McGurk and the latest from Dennis McCann and Paddy Donovan.