JESSIE VARGAS is currently the most likely opponent for Kell Brook’s next fight, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Brook, the IBF welterweight champion, is desperate for a ‘big name’ fight after having to settle for wins over Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin and Kevin Bizier since winning the title from Shawn Porter in 2014.
Vargas won the vacant WBO title in his most recent outing, a surprise ninth-round stoppage over highly-touted Sadam Ali, and Hearn revealed last week that the unification clash could be close.
“There’s loads of stuff going on, I was in America recently, had dozens of meetings, they [Top Rank, Vargas’ promoters] met with Vargas,” he told Boxing News.
“He doesn’t really want to come to the UK, but there is a lot of money for him. We’ll go to America, no problem with that as long as the money is right, same sort of thing.
“I think it looks more likely to be Vargas at this point.”
Vargas – whose sole career defeat came against Timothy Bradley last year – has openly expressed his desire to face Brook.
Bradley, who’s coming off a decision reverse to Manny Pacquiao, is also being pursued as an opponent though is not available until later in the year. WBC champion Danny Garcia would perhaps be the most desired opponent, behind Amir Khan – who, since his knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez, has ruled out fighting Brook – but Danny is rumoured to be Floyd Mayweather’s comeback opponent.
Former Khan-conqueror Lamont Peterson is also being considered, as is Andre Berto, who recently stopped Victor Ortiz in five rounds.
“Bradley is probably out of the running until later in the year. Lamont Peterson is in the mix, Andre Berto is in the mix,” Hearn said.
“Danny Garcia is the one we’d love but I can’t really see it happening, he’s floating around waiting to see what’s happening with Floyd.
“[Adrien] Broner we’ve made huge offers to, he’s umming and ahing. I think it’s between Peterson, Vargas, Berto and maybe Bradley if we can get him to move a little bit quicker.”
