The light-heavyweight division is set for a busy start to the year 2021.
Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov will determine the fate of the vacant WBO 175lb title on Feb. 13, while WBC and IBF champion Artur Beterbiev returns to action on Mar. 20 against Germany's Adam Denis.
Chris Mannix and former WBC light-middleweight titleholder Sergio Mora attempted to rank the division's elite on the latest episode of 'Jabs' on DAZN, before routing a possible roadmap for the division through 2021 and beyond.
One name brought up by both was reigning WBA (Super) champion Dmitry Bivol, who still awaits his first assignment since defeating Gilbert Lenin Castillo in October 2019.
When asked who is currently the best fighter in the division, Mora answered: "You could pick a Russian and you probably wouldn’t be wrong.
"Bivol is a technical machine. He hasn’t knocked anyone out in his last four fights but we know he has the power. He’s been facing stiffer and tougher opposition.
"But when it comes to Beterbiev, he’s knocked out everyone they put in front of him and he’s probably the most feared puncher in the world. So I would have to say Beterbiev inches him out, but it’d be a close fight if they ever did meet."
Mannix added: "I love the 175lb division. I think the next 18 months can be really exciting. But I’m gonna take Bivol as the top guy in the weight class right now.
"He’s got all the skills. He fights almost like a middleweight and he has a tremendous jaw. Against Joe Smith he got cracked right on the chin, and he took the shot beautifully."
Bivol's biggest problem has been getting top opponents to agree to fight him, but the 'Jabs' duo believe he can still have a tremendous year.
"I think the next 18 months can be great for Bivol," said Mannix. "It seems nobody wants to fight him, but there is a pathway for him to have a next-level year.
"Maybe he can find a way to lure Gilberto Ramirez into the ring. He’s a well-known commodity and a former champion at 168lb who wants a title shot at 175. Then, after Beterbiev and Joe Smith unify, he could challenge the winner before 2021 is over.
"Then, you head into 2022, and what fight might be available, Sergio, to an undisputed light-heavyweight champion who isn’t all that big? Canelo Alvarez!
"I think Canelo would look at all four of those belts and want to take Bivol on at Cinco de Mayo 2022."
You can watch Mannix and Mora discuss the light-heavyweights, plus Demetrius Andrade, Tyler Howard, Edgar Berlanga and more on 'Jabs' with a DAZN subscription.