Talk of an October show that would pit Premier Boxing Champions fighters against Golden Boy Promotions rivals has focused on Vergil Ortiz Jr.–Keith Thurman and Arnold Barboza Jr.–Frank Martin. Both pairings have merit, yet a deeper look at the two stables suggests an even stronger menu is available if the promoters truly want an event to match last year’s Warren-Hearn “5 v 5.” Here are five bouts that would satisfy political logic, stylistic intrigue and competitive balance in equal measure.
1. Fundora vs. Ortiz Jr.
The most obvious headliner is a 154-pound summit between WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and interim titlist Vergil Ortiz Jr. Fundora’s awkward 6ft 7in frame and volume punching have carried him to victories over Tim Tszyu and Charles Conwell, but Ortiz’s ferocious body attacks and perfect 23-0 record make him the champion’s most perilous assignment. Titles aside, few match-ups guarantee more sustained offense.
2. Russell vs. Duarte
At super lightweight, newly minted WBA titleholder Gary Antuanne Russell could meet Mexico’s relentless Oscar Duarte. Russell’s southpaw sharpness and 100 per cent stoppage ratio would be tested by Duarte’s engine and commitment to the body. Duarte produced those qualities while out-lasting Kenneth Sims Jr., yet his tendency to ship right hands gives Russell a clear tactical target.
3. Martin vs. Schofield
Lightweight offers an excellent “next step” clash between Detroit’s slick Frank Martin and streaking Texan Floyd Schofield. Martin’s form dipped in last year’s stoppage loss to Gervonta Davis but he remains a polished, athletic southpaw who can capitalise on the gaps Schofield leaves when he opens up. Schofield, meanwhile, displayed frightening power in his 89-second demolition of Tevin Farmer and needs a test of this calibre before pushing for full world honours.
4. Charlo vs. Melikuziev
In the 168-pound division, a rehabilitating Jermall Charlo could find the perfect foil in Uzbek southpaw Bektemir Melikuziev. Charlo shook off 29 months of inactivity in May and is seeking a marquee name; Melikuziev, fresh from dominating Darius Fulghum, delivers that along with unanswered questions about his punch resistance. Their clash would tell plenty about whether former middleweight ruler Charlo remains a true force at super-middle.
5. Thurman vs. Garcia
Finally, matching Keith Thurman with Ryan Garcia at a 150-pound catchweight could add commercial heft and narrative spice. Garcia’s stock nose-dived after a tepid loss to Rolando Romero, while Thurman - still a marketable former champion - has craved a headline opportunity. Garcia’s speed against Thurman’s timing and body attacks would make for a fun, high-stakes rehabilitation bout for both.
Whether any, or all, of these fights materialise will depend on the willingness of Al Haymon and Oscar De La Hoya to repeat the cross-promotional cooperation that made 2024’s 5 v 5 so compelling. If they do, which ones would you be eager to see the most?
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