Published Wednesday, 07 December 2011
Frampton claimed the vacant title in September with a commanding fourth round stoppage against Mark Quon at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, stretching his unbeaten record to 11 fights.
The bout, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, will be Frampton's second career fight in the English capital.
The 24-year-old's mentor, former World Featherweight champion Barry McGuigan, is predicting that his charge could add more titles to his Commonwealth belt by the end of 2012.
"It's a big year for us - we're not looking past Kris but I believe Carl can go a long way, and by the end of 2012 I would like to think he would be European Champion," McGuigan said on Wednesday.
"(British Champion) Scott Quigg is a target fight down the line too and he's enthusiastic for the fight, so there's exciting things ahead, but Kris comes first and Carl will be ready."
For Scotsman Hughes, also 24, it is a second crack at the title after a narrow decision loss to Jamie Arthur last October in east London, and the Clones Cyclone is looking forward to seeing Frampton face a tough challenge in London.
"He's a tall rangy guy," McGuigan said.
"He's got experience and he is a southpaw, so it's a different type of fight and challenge for Carl and I'm looking forward to it."
"We're looking forward to fighting in the York Hall again - it's just like the Ulster Hall really so it's a home away from home for Carl, every bit as atmospheric and we will be bringing a lot of fans over.
"There's a huge underground movement of excitement and support for Carl from boxing fans all over the place who are talking about him so it's good to get him fighting in new places.
"I'm sure that there will be three or four hundred fans from here going over and a large number in London who will be looking forward to seeing Carl in the flesh for the first time."