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Boxing
Matchroom Boxing vs Golden Boy Promotions - The four fights that must be made
Watch Catterall vs Barboza Jr live Feb.15 on DAZN
Rivalries between boxing promoters have always been evident within the sport of boxing, and quite often these rivalries can stop the best fights from happening.
However, what has become more common in recent times are boxing promoters coming together to make blockbuster events. The most notable being last year's 5v5 event which pit promotional stalwarts Eddie Hearn's Matchroom and Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions against each other with five of the best fighters from their respective stables.
On that occasion, it was Warren who would have the last laugh with a clean 5-0 sweep over Hearn.
Now, Hearn is preparing for another chance at promotional bragging rights when Jack Catterall faces Arnold Barboza Jr, promoted by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, on Saturday night, live on DAZN.
Hearn and De La Hoya have frequently teased the idea of a Matchroom vs Golden Boy 5v5 event in the near future, and here DAZN News picks four fantasy fights if it was to materialise.
Jai Opetaia vs Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez
DAZN
The word 'fantasy' has been used in both the headline and introduction to this list, however, this cruiserweight world title unification between IBF champion Jai Opetaia and WBA and WBO titleholder Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez is likely to be made this year.
Opetaia has proven to be the number one cruiserweight on the planet with his punching power and lightning footwork dispatching opponents with ease, but Ramirez presents a tough test.
When the Mexican decided to make the move to cruiserweight, some were skeptical as to how he would fare, but when he fought Chris Billam-Smith to unify the WBA and WBO 200lb titles, Ramirez made things look very easy inside the ring and cruised to a dominant victory on the judges' scorecards.
Ramirez proved against Billam-Smith that he has dangerous power in his fists, and if he did go head-to-head with Opetaia, it will be intriguing to see how Ramirez can hold off an opponent who loves to come forward at frightening speed and appears to get even better once a contest becomes a tear up.
Jaron 'Boots' Ennis vs Ryan Garcia
DAZN
There are a number of new stars in American boxing with both current IBF welterweight champion Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and Ryan Garcia being billed as two fighters who could carry the sport stateside.
This means surely a fight between the two would generate huge interest.
Garcia, is an unpredictable character in the build-up but his antics always have an impact, and generate debate amongst the boxing community. If he goes up against Ennis, it will be great to see two different personalities face each other.
'King Ry' is the more energetic, playful and not afraid to ruffle feathers, while Ennis is business-like and does his talking in the ring. Sometimes, you need two polar opposites to create a memorable and must-see fight, and Ennis vs Garcia does just that.
Shakur Stevenson vs William Zepeda
DAZN
This fight between WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and William Zapeda is another one which seems to be close to becoming reality.
Zepeda is now the mandatory challenger for the WBC 135lb belt and will have a keen eye on the February 22 meeting between Stevenson and Floyd Schofield live on DAZN PPV.
If Stevenson gets past Schofield, then expect Zepeda to be next for a man who is being billed as a future face of American boxing.
Jack Catterall vs Jose Ramirez
DAZN
For Jack Catterall, his February 15 fight against Arnold Barboza Jr live on DAZN is the final step before he will get his long-awaited and deserved world title shot.
However, if Catterall is forced to wait a little while longer, then there is no doubt he will look to continue proving himself against established names at 140lbs.
One of those could be former unified super lightweight champion Jose Ramirez.
While Ramirez lost his latest bout in November against Barboza Jr, he is still a credible name, and if Catterall can replicate a performance similar to his win over Regis Prograis last year, then he can continue cementing himself as one of the best fighters at super lightweight.
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