By Frank Warren
Bob Arum, My old Top Rank sparring partner certainly remains on top of his game. With the likes of Crawford and Vasyl Lomachenko, he is continuing to demonstrate his knack of identifying and developing the pick of the crop in world boxing.
Another one has come off the production line in Oscar Valdez, who looked devastating in his destruction of Adrian Rueda to claim the vacant WBO featherweight title. With a record of 20-0 with 18 by KO, he looks one to keep a close eye on.
Myself and Bob have done numerous deals over many years and don’t rule out one involving the great Lomachenko sometime next year.
Bob has asked if we would be interested in a fight between the current WBO super featherweight champion and our lightweight king Terry Flanagan.
Naturally I said we would be as it is the best fight out there against the best fighter in the world. Of course we would be interested in that.
Terry will fight anyone, but he does have a couple of more immediate challenges to overcome first.
The WBO have ordered a mandatory defence against Felix Verdejo, while we will continue to negotiate for our preferred option of a unification against WBC champion Dejan Zlaticanin.
Whichever way around they arrive, they are both top fights for Terry and exciting times are certainly ahead.
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I would like to pay a personal tribute to Jim Watt, who last week announced his retirement from his commentary duties with Sky Sports.
I worked with Jim for many years during his days at ITV and he is a gentleman of the sport and an excellent co-commentator and analyst.
I wish him all the best now he is calling time on his career in boxing but, if he ever fancies going a few more rounds, he would be most welcome to make guest appearances on BoxNation.
Such knowledge and experience shouldn’t be lost to the game.
