By Jake Donovan

If Sullivan Barrera truly had his way, his debut with Top Rank would’ve already occurred.

Still, the alternative is just as good as the veteran light heavyweight contender feels right at home in signing with the Las Vegas-based outfit which holds most of the prime real estate in his weight division.

“Top Rank has all of the best fighters at my weight, and I only want big fights after this,” Barrera (22-2, 14KOs) told BoxingScene.com. “Really, I wanted my first fight to be against Artur Beterbiev but unfortunately, it wasn’t possible.”

Beterbiev made his own Top Rank debut earlier this month, scoring a 5th round stoppage of Radivoje ‘Hot Rod’ Kalajdzic to maintain his perfect knockout-to-win ratio and retain his light heavyweight title.

Barrera’s role was limited to home viewer for the ESPN-televised headliner, as he will appear on the platform in a June 8 clash with hard-hitting fringe contender Michael Seals. Their bout will take place in Reno, Nev. in supporting capacity to unbeaten featherweight titlist Oscar Valdez, whom defends his title against undefeated challenger Jason Sanchez.

“I only want big fights, my goal is four more fights and then retire,” notes Barrera, who was last seen in a 10-round win over Seanie Monaghan last November. “I look forward to what’s next, June 8 against a tough hard-punching fighter like Michael Seals. It will be interesting to see what happens.”

With a win on June 8, the plan from there is to pursue any light heavyweight that Top Rank can put in front of him. In addition to Beterbiev, also under the promotional umbrella is World (lineal) light heavyweight champion Oleksandr Gvozdyk and—through a partnership with Main Events, Barrera’s old promoter—Sergey Kovalev, whom defends his title versus Anthony Yarde later in the month.

Whatever order they can be arranged is fine with Barrera, who trusts that his career is in capable hands.

“I am now with Top Rank, a great (company),” beams the still-relevant contender. “We had been talking to them for some time. I know with them behind me now, I can make big fights happen. I am very happy about this.”

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox