by Edward Chaykovsky
The World Boxing Organization has ordered lightweight champion Ricky Burns (35-2, 10KOs) to make a mandatory defense in his next fight. Based on the availability of the top ten contenders, the most probable opponents include - Jose A. Gonzalez (20-0, 15KOs and ranked at 4), Ji-Hoon Kim (24-7, 18KOs and ranked at 7) and Gavin Rees (37-1-1, 18KOs and ranked at 8).
Gonzalez defends the WBO Latino title against Eudy Bernardo (13-0, 8KOs) on October 6th. If he wins, his promoter Puerto Rico Best Boxing has no problems with doing business with Burns' promoter Frank Warren.
Adrien Broner is ranked at number one but he is already heading for a WBC title shot against Antonio DeMarco on November 17. Last Saturday, Burns knocked out the boxer ranked at two, Kevin Mitchell. Ranked at number three is Sharif Bogere, who has a November fight scheduled for the WBA title against Richard Abril.
