Shakur Stevenson is on course for a unification clash with Oscar Valdez, hopes Bob Arum.
Stevenson became the WBO super featherweight champion when he beat Jamel Herring last weekend in Atlanta, and immediately called for a clash with Valdez, the 30-year-old WBC super featherweight belt holder.The Mexican is represented by Arum’s Top Rank Promotions, as well as former WBC champion Miguel Berchelt. Arum thinks that both fighters would make compelling opponents.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "We can suggest it to the fighters. But ultimately it is the fighters and their management who decide who to fight next.
"I want Valdez to fight Emanuel Navarrete, and to match Shakur against maybe Berchelt, who Valdez beat in a spectacular fight.
"We'd see how Shakur does with Berchelt, then we can match the winners.
"I think that's the way to go. That's what we will suggest to them.
"I hope to have Shakur back in the ring in March or April. Same thing with Valdez and Navarrete."
Arum continued: "We always knew, as did everybody, that Shakur was an amazing talent.
"But it's one thing to be a talent, and another thing to take that talent and become a crowd-pleasing fighter.
"Shakur now understands that.
"It was a great performance against a very skilled guy in Herring.
"Shakur, unlike his previous performances, didn't come out, win a few rounds, then coast to victory.
"He came out to beat his opponent decisively.
"That puts him in a completely different category to before.
"I see this as the opening act of Shakur Stevenson. We will see greatness in the years ahead.
"I just want him to be a superstar.”