Carl Frampton defeated Scott Quigg on a split points decision to become the WBA and IBF super-bantamweight champion Saturday and guaranteed fellow Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy a night out at Wayne Rooney's expense.

Frampton triumphed after 12 rounds in front of a 20,000 sell-out Manchester crowd courtesy of 116-112 counts in his favour by two judges, with the other giving it to local fighter Quigg 115-113.

The hotly-anticipated bout also led to a good-natured Twitter duel between golf star McIlroy and Manchester United striker Rooney.

"Both top fighters mate but @scottquigg for me. How about the loser pays the bill next time your in Manchester?" challenged Rooney on Twitter on the eve of the fight.

McIlroy retorted: "You're a legend Wayne but it's @RealCFrampton all the way!"

And as soon as the victory was confirmed, the four-time major winner and former world number one golfer gleefully claimed his prize.

"YESSSS!!!! Well done @RealCFrampton! Fought a smart fight. Get your wallet out @WayneRooney!!," tweeted the 26-year-old.

Frampton paid tribute to Quigg with whom he had fought a fierce war of words in the build-up to the fight -- over the choice of dressing rooms.

"That's the end of all the disrespect -- from my side anyway," he told the BBC.

"I'm proud to have beaten a very good fighter tonight. He was a worthy champion."

Both McIlroy and Rooney had plenty of time to watch Saturday's fight.

On Friday, McIlroy missed the cut at the Honda Classic in Florida while United and England skipper Rooney is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Source :AFP