The stacked lightweight division is steadily building towards what could be an explosive series of superfights, as unbeaten stars such as Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia and unified world champion Teofimo Lopez Jr. all gear up for fights against respectable opposition before hopefully doing battle against one another in late 2021 and early 2022.
Recently announced were intriguing contests pitting Haney against former world champion Jorge Linares, while "King Ry" Garcia will meet ex-super-featherweight titleholder Javier Fortuna. But with Garcia positioned as mandatory challenger to the WBC belt Haney currently holds, can we realistically expect that to be the next step if both men emerge victorious from their springtime tests?
On the latest edition of 'Jabs' on DAZN, Chris Mannix and former WBC light-middleweight champion Sergio Mora analysed Garcia vs. Fortuna and expressed their optimism for Haney being next before 2021 is out.
"I love this fight for Garcia," Mora said of the Fortuna announcement. "It’s just another bold step foreward to prove what he can do against a former champion in Fortuna.
"I love the matchmaking because he’s not taking any easy fights. From prospects to challengers to former champions. It’s an excellent style match and a bold move for Garcia."
Mannix added: "Garcia wants those A-level fights, he’s been screaming for them, but if Garcia gets by Fortuna and Devin Haney beats Jorge Linares, it could happen at the end of the year.
"We know Matchroom want that fight, and Fortuna is a good stepping stone to that kind of fight for Garcia."
Mora said: "Fortuna is still a dangerous fight for Ryan but he’s susepticble to left hooks and thats Garcia’s favourite shot. It’s going to be an exciting fight, I don’t see it lasting the distance and I can see both fighters getting hurt."
Concluded Mannix: "And if it leads to Haney vs. Garcia, I think everyone will be better for it."
Watch Mannix and Mora discuss a wide range of the current boxing topics, including Jamel Herring and Murodjon Akhmadaliev's respective big successful title defences at the weekends, with a DAZN subscription.