Fights we'd like to see in the near Future
I understand how we see alot of threads that look like this, but given the major shake ups in recent months, I feel another is warranted. What are the fights that you'd like to see in the near future? I have selected my fights by taking into account both impact on that division and the excitement value of the fights. Here is my list.
1. Winky Wright-Kassim Ouma; Ouma was the mandatory to face Winky before Winky vacated the IBF strap for the rematch with Mosley. With Winky's dominations of Mosley and Trinidad, we pretty much know what type of styles will not work against Winky. Interestingly enough, there is a fellow titlist even hungrier, with a computer print out (Sorry Manny) style to give Winky issues, and he happens to be a more interesting story and personality. His name? Kassim Ouma.
2. Ricky Hatton-Floyd Mayweather Jr.; These 2 fighters emerged last month as the number 1 and 2 fighters in boxing's deepest division, The Junior Welterweight division. Ricky Hatton emphatically erased any doubts as to his heart and ability as he grinded down the acknowledged king pin of the division, Kostya Tszyu, forcing the future hall of famer to retire after the 11th stanza. "Pretty Boy Floyd" 3 weeks later would make his statement, brutally assaulting Arturo Gatti and stopping him in 6 rounds to lift "Thunder's" WBC belt. The styles and talent of these 2 young stars would make an exciting bout, and would answer any questions remaining of these 2 young pugs.
3. Manny Pacquiao-Barrera, Morales, or Marquez; When you have a balls to the walls slugger like Pacquiao, you are almost guaranteed a fight of the year candidate. With the heavyweights seemingly conspiring to confuse and drive away the mainstream public, these 4 featherweights have made some of the greatest bouts in recent years. A rematch with Barrera would challenge whether or not Barrera was simply unprepared for their 2003 fight in which "Pacman" obliterated the Mexico City star in 11 rounds. A rematch with Marquez would give some closure to their 2004 fight which was ruled a draw. And hey, Erik Morales is always entertaining, so why not do it again?
4. Zab Judah-Antonio Margarito; This fight, for all 4 recognized welterweight belts, would be an amazing action fight, as well as a fight justified by the Ring Magazine rankings. For years, Margarito has been passed up by the recognized champions Forrest, Mosley, and Spinks, forced instead to fight WBO mandatory challengers. Zab, on the other hand, used his connections to get 2 fights with Cory Spinks, the second in which he lifted the undisputed welterweight title this past February. With Zab's speed and power against Margarito's strength and will, this fight figures to be a real slobber knocker.
5. Oscar Larios-Rafael Marquez; These 2 all action bangers have been clamoring for the big fights for years. Problem is, they refuse to leave their weight divisions to do so. At 122 lbs., this would be the big fight that both have been looking for. Bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez and WBC Junior Featherweight titlist Oscar Larios are both busy fighters with suspect chins, which makes this fight an exciting bout. Boy, I wish these guys would get together!
![Rico Verhoeven [right] clouts Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt on May 23, 2026](https://photo.boxingscene.com/uploads/Oleksandr-Usyk-Rico-Verhoeven-20.webp)
