By Steve Kim
As you peruse the light heavyweight rankings, the name of Oleksandr Gvozdyk (14-0, 12 KOs) is ubiquitous. The Ukrainian is rated second by the IBF, third by the WBA and number two by the WBC.
And most interestingly, he is the top rated contender by the WBO, who's belt was recently captured by Sergey Kovalev (who knocked out Vyaschelav Shabranskyy in two rounds this past weekend for the vacant title).
Both Kovalev and Gvozdyk are managed by Egis Klimas, but share different promoters. Kovalev fights under Kathy Duva of Main Events and Gvozdyk is with Bob Arum of Top Rank.
So does the fact that they share the same manager make the possibility of this fight a non-starter?
''No," said Klimas, who explained. "We will see what's available, what positions are open. Gvozdyk is in every single rankings, everywhere he's number two at the WBC. The WBC ordered him to fight Marcus Browne for the eliminator but Marcos Browne turned it down. So the WBC's looking at what is possible to do."
The WBC title is currently held by Adonis Stevenson.
The IBF belt is now held by Artur Beterbiev, who captured the belt earlier this month with knockout of Enrico Koelling.
"I know the IBF is looking also because Beterbiev has a mandatory in 180 days. Gvozdyk is in their rankings, too. So there's a lot of opportunity for Gvozdyk. As soon as we gather everything together we're going to be sitting down and see what is the best way for the fighter to go," Klimas said.
The remaining title (WBA) is under the possession of Dmitry Bivol, who is handled by World of Boxing and Main Events.
Klimas makes it clear - "Nothing is set, nothing is out of the picture. If it comes to Gvozdyk fighting Kovalev, yeah, they're going to be fighting."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.