Carl Frampton set to fight Nonito Donaire in Belfast

Carl Frampton is set take on former four-weight world champion Nonito Donaire in Belfast on April 7.

Frampton is building toward another shot at a world title in the featherweight division, and a bout with Donaire would be his second after splitting with Barry McGuigan's Cyclone Promotions and his trainer son Shane earlier this year.

Promoter Frank Warren appeared to confirm Frampton's opponent at a news conference, screened on BoxNation's Facebook page, for Billy Joe Saunders' homecoming following his successful WBO middleweight title defence last weekend.

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

However, the fight is still to be officially announced.

Ringstar Sports promoter Richard Schaefer -- Donaire's promoter -- told ESPN: "Frank and me agreed on the terms, but I am waiting on the paperwork. But I think it's a terrific matchup. Nonito Donaire, when he signed with Ringstar, said he wanted a big fight.

"He's the kind of fighter who never turns down anybody, so I am very happy that in only his second fight with Ringstar I am able to deliver him one of the big names in the 126-pound weight class. I think stylistically it's a great fight.

"Both guys come to fight, and Nonito agreeing to go Belfast shows you how serious he is. He doesn't mind going to the guy's backyard. He knows this is an extremely important fight for him. It's do-or-die. But, that said, I haven't even seen a draft of an agreement yet. I'm waiting on a contract. I don't announce stuff until the contract is signed."

Northern Irishman Frampton was given a stern test by the unheralded Horacio Garcia last month before claiming a points win. He could now return to the SSE Arena to face Donaire (38-4, 24KOs).

Filipino Donaire, 35, has won world belts in the flyweight, bantamweight, super-bantamweight and featherweight divisions and was at one stage rated among the best pound-for-pound fighters.

He has won six of his past seven bouts and will be seen as a tough test even though he is widely considered to be past his peak.

Victory for Frampton (24-1, 14KOs), who suffered his first professional defeat in January when he was beaten by Leo Santa Cruz in their rematch, could set up an opportunity to fight for a world crown at Windsor Park next year.

Two possible opponents are domestic foes Lee Selby and Josh Warrington, who are scheduled to fight for the former's IBF featherweight title in Leeds next year.

Warren added: "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."

ESPN's Dan Rafael and the Press Association contributed to this report.