Carl Frampton wants to become a three weight world champion

‘The Jackal’ - who beat Leo Santa Cruz in New York on July 30 to claim the WBA belt - was honoured at a home coming event at Belfast City Hall on Friday night and told the large crowd there he wants to keep on winning.

“I am the only ever Northern Irishman to win a world title in two divisions, only the second ever Irishman after Steve Collins to win world titles in two different divisions, I would like to have a go at three and stand out on my own.”

And he is open to a rematch with Santa Cruz as well as a unification bout with IBF champion Lee Selby, which he suggested could come before Christmas.

“Selby is a great fighter, he is someone I respect, I think he is very good, but I just believe me at featherweight now, I don’t think there is anyone stopping me, I just feel so strong and whoever wants it next can get it,” he said.

“I am in the driving seat, I can call the shots, but we will see where we go, I will let the team decide, but I love Belfast and I want to fight here as much as possible.

“I want to fight here at least once a year and Windsor Park in the summer would be a dream come true,” he added.