ONLINE speculation has Vergil Ortiz Jr vs Keith Thurman and Arnold Barboza Jr vs Frank Martin – two cross-promotional matchups – slated for October.
Should it materialise, the event will see fighters from the PBC and Golden Boy stables lock horns, much like how Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren’s 5v5 showdown transpired last year.
The format, in that sense, represents a safe pair of hands, but regarding the two proposed fights, it must be said that a more appealing selection of matchups could quite easily replace them.
Here, Boxing News takes a look at five potential PBC vs Golden Boy contests.
Sebastian Fundora vs Vergil Ortiz Jr
Politically, it would only make sense for WBC interim titlist Ortiz to take on Sebastian Fundora, the sanctioning body’s full world champion, in a mouth-watering super-welterweight clash.
Even aside from the belts involved, many would view their matchup as a genuine 50/50 battle between the two leading operators at 154lbs.
Given their all-action styles, too, it would not be a question of if, but rather when, their encounter will catch fire, particularly when considering the ferocious punching power that both of them possess.
Gary Antuanne Russell vs Oscar Duarte
Following his majority decision victory over Kenneth Sims Jr last Saturday, Oscar Duarte has placed himself in a favourable position to land a shot at WBA world super-lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell.
In his elimination bout, the Mexican produced a typically industrious performance – showcasing his bottomless gas tank – while, at the same time, exposing several of his defensive vulnerabilities at long range.
Russell, on the other hand, represents a defensively polished slickster who, against Duarte, is likely to boast several advantages from a technical standpoint.
Frank Martin vs Floyd Schofield
In his one-round demolition job against Tevin Farmer, Floyd Schofield proved that he is, in fact, a precocious talent, poised to launch a stab at world honours in the not too distant future.
Before making that leap, though, it would be a wise idea for the 22-year-old to test himself against Frank Martin, a fighter sitting on the cusp of the elite level.
Despite suffering a punishing stoppage defeat to Gervonta Davis last year, and not entering the ring since, one can only suspect that the southpaw technician remains a handful at 135lbs.
Jermall Charlo vs Bektemir Melikuziev
While remaining unbeaten, Jermall Charlo’s greatest enemy in recent years appears to have been inactivity, with the former world champion having only just emerged from the boxing wilderness.
His comeback fight of May was, of course, designed to set up a showdown with Caleb Plant, yet it could be said that Bektemir Melikuziev, especially now, represents a far more intriguing challenge.
The Uzbek comes off a strong display against Darius Fulghum while, in equal measure, revealing just enough vulnerabilities to perhaps tempt Charlo into facing him.
Keith Thurman vs Ryan Garcia
Despite being mooted as a possible opponent for Ortiz, Keith Thurman is likely to be far more competitive, and perhaps even superior, against Ryan Garcia.
The pair could even meet at a catchweight of 150lbs, where Garcia, a fighter known for his weight-making struggles in the past, should not be at too great of a disadvantage.
But either way, their potential matchup, strangely enough, makes a great deal of sense, particularly now that Garcia’s stock has taken an almighty hit.
Thurman, meanwhile, remains a marketable name and, whether rightly or wrongly, is someone who could propel ‘King Ry’ back into the spotlight.
