Eddie Hearn did not rule out a fight between new lightweight champion Maxi Hughes after his win over Jovanni Straffon.
The 27-year-old Mexican lost his IBO belt to 31-year-old Hughes in Leeds on Saturday night in a fight shown on DAZN.
The challenger dominated the championship rounds to claim the strap and after the fight, Matchroom head Hearn praised Hughes.
“I can’t believe that that fight went past that (fifth) round, Maxi Hughes was sensational,” Hearn said, before admitting he was open to criticism over the fact he had previously put forward Straffon as a potential opponent for WBC champion Devin Haney.
“They wound me up a little bit, because they said that I mentioned Straffon as an opponent for Devin Haney, and they said now, ‘Maxi will beat Devin Haney.’
“It's a big step up but this is a guy who defies the odds time and time again.
“I thought he boxed absolutely beautifully.”