Carl Frampton in Cannock without a world title

Frampton suffered the first defeat of his professional career and lost the WBA 'super' featherweight crown back to Santa Cruz last weekend,

UK television viewers watched the fight, held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the United States, in the early hours of Sunday morning due to the five-hour time difference.

Around a hundred people saw proceedings from the Premier Suite at Bar Sport, which stayed open until 5.30am and served breakfast to customers.

Frampton is coming to the venue on Thursday March 2 for 'An Evening With' show, where he will be joined by fellow former world champions Steve Collins and Richie Woodhall.

'The Jackal' is still smarting from the demise of his '0,' as Santa Cruz returned the favour after conceding his unbeaten status and the belt to Frampton on points in their first contest last July.

The Northern Irishman and the Mexican are set for a third clash to settle the score, though, which it's hoped will take place in Belfast.

Frampton's manager Barry McGuigan - another to have entertained Premier Suite guests in November - revealed a verbal agreement has already been made.

Both combatants are advised by American advisor Al Haymon, who McGuigan has spoken to about making the match a trilogy.

McGuigan said: "I had a discussion with Al, he's the big player and he's told me there will be a third fight. They have given us their word.

"He's told us he will come to Belfast. He's told us he will fight him and we've got to trust him."

The 29-year-old was only beaten marginally on the cards, after reeling off 23 victories from 23 bouts with 14 inside-the-distance.

Frampton's punch accuracy and ability to close down space deserted him this time, but one of the judges scored the result a 114-114 draw. The other two had it 115-113 to Santa Cruz.

It also made the prospect of a unification fight with IBF champion Lee Selby doubly difficult, with the Welshman left kicking his heels.

Selby, also 29, had been due to defend against Jonathan Barros on the Frampton-Santa Cruz bill, but Barros was blocked on medical grounds by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

McGuigan has always seen a move up to super feather in efforts to become a three-weight world titlist for Frampton, who is already Northern Ireland's first two-weight global boss.

He said: "My job now is to develop talent, I told people at the very start that this kid could be the greatest Irish fighter there's ever been and some laughed at me.

"When his career is over, he's certainly going to be a Hall of Fame fighter and he'll have won another world title, maybe even in a different weight division.

"I think he beats Santa Cruz more convincingly this time, then have a unification fight before he'll jump up and get another belt. That could be when we bail out."

The dust will have settled on Frampton's setback by the time he gets to Bar Sport and McGuigan thinks those in attendance are in for a treat.

Telford's Woodhall will pose the questions to Frampton and Collins in a question and answer session, as will members of the audience.

Comedian Mike Cash, from the same Irish town of Clones as McGuigan having supported him in Cannock, also returns to provide laughs.

McGuigan said: "Carl is very bright and smart and he's a funny lad, so this will be easy peasy to him. I'm very much a connoisseur of the fight game and so is he.

"The way this used to work was that you'd stand up and reel off half an hour about your career, but not everyone wants to hear that. It's more pertinent when people can ask questions of you.

"Richie will play his part and we go back a long way, I have so much respect for him. He was a fabulous fighter and is now one of the best pundits in the business."

Tickets are on sale now, starting from £50. The 'platinum' option includes a seat in the main function room and a four-course meal.

A 'silver' pass is £85, with the same benefits plus a professional photograph with either Frampton and Collins or both. 'Gold,' at £175, allows entry to a meet and greet beforehand.

For more information and to book places for the show, get in touch with Bar Sport directly by calling 01543 572 092.