Carl Frampton and Barry McGuigan settle legal battle

Barry McGuigan (left) and Carl Frampton

A legal battle between boxer Carl Frampton and his former manager Barry McGuigan has been settled.

The multi-million-pounds case, which began at the High Court in Belfast in September, was due to resume on Thursday.

But the Lord Chief Justice's Office said the dispute was resolved out of court in a confidential settlement.

Mr Frampton said he was "extremely happy" while Mr McGuigan said his family "can now move forward".

The former two-weight world champion was suing his ex-manager and Cyclone Promotions for alleged withheld earnings.

Mr McGuigan was claiming against the Belfast boxer for breach of contract after their partnership ended in 2017.

Both men deny the respective allegations against them.

'Another dramatic ending'

Analysis by Mark Simpson, BBC News NI

The end of the court case was dramatic, just like the breakdown in relations between Carl Frampton and Barry McGuigan three years ago.

Back then there was no warning, in public at least. It was the same with the court case.

The judge and court staff were preparing for a resumption of proceedings when a call came through from the legal teams to say the dispute had been resolved.

Only those involved know how much money is now going to change hands. The legal bill alone will be well over £1m.

It has been a costly court case in more ways than one.

The case began three years ago, when the McGuigan family and their company, Cyclone Promotions, issued proceedings against Mr Frampton in London.

He subsequently mounted claims against the McGuigan family in Belfast.

'I was happy with the terms that were agreed'

Outside the court, Mr Frampton said he welcomed that the legal dispute has now ended.

"The past three-and-a-half years have, of course, been difficult but necessary," he said.

The Belfast boxer paid tribute to his family, friends and fans who, he says, "stood by me and supported me throughout this time".

"None of this would have been possible without the amazing love and support of my children and of course my extraordinary wife Christine.

"I am glad that this chapter of my life is now behind me and my focus now, as always, remains on becoming a three-weight world champion in 2021."

Looking to the future, Mr Frampton told BBC News NI that he does not expect his rift with Barry McGuigan to heal, in spite of the settlement in their legal dispute.

Although he said "time is a great healer" he added that he did not expect that they will patch up their differences.

Regarding the out-of-court settlement, Mr Frampton said: "It was the right thing to do.

"The agreement was right for me to settle on and I was happy with the terms that were agreed."

The Belfast boxer was asked if that effectively meant that he won.

He replied: "I can't say that, no, but I can say I'm very, very happy with the terms of the settlement."

'Mutual understanding'

Mr McGuigan said his family was "pleased to see this lawsuit come to an end".

During the case, Barry McGuigan's son, Blain, defended his role in promoting Carl Frampton's fights

The former boxing world champion added: "We feel that the mutual understanding between us and Carl Frampton will work in favour of both parties.

"We will now focus exclusively on what we do best rather than spending time and money in the courtroom."

A spokesperson for the Lord Chief Justice's Office said: "The court has been advised that the case has settled on terms agreed between the parties.

"The proceedings have therefore concluded."