By Gav Duthie: One of the biggest criticisms of the talented welterweight division is that the biggest fighters are not facing each other. If the governing bodies stick to their guns we could see fantastic fights taking place for each title in the near future.
Whats signed?
One of the biggest bouts between two apparent heirs to the welterweight throne are facing off on March 12 as Keith Thurman 26-0(22) faces Shawn Porter 26-1-1 (16) for the WBA “regular” welterweight title title and the elder statesman WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley 33-1-1 (13) has his rubber match with possible retiree Manny Pacquiao 57-6-2 (38) for the WBO.
Uninspiring mandatories
Unfortunately this divisions promising fights are being hijacked by uninspiring mandatory obligations. Undefeated champion Kell Brook 35-0 (24) is facing Kevin Bizier 25-2 (17) who has already lost twice to Ionut Dan Ion (Jo Jo Dan) who Brook destroyed last year. The WBC and WBA have not enforced mandatories for years whilst Floyd Mayweather was champion.
The good news
The mandatories are set to improve dramatically throughout the year. The WBC have made Amir Khan no 1 and are saying Danny Garcia must fight him by the summer. The WBC were also very lax with Garcia at 140lbs letting him away with fighting who he wanted so I hope they are willing to enforce this as I prefer this fight to one against Kell Brook.
The mandatory opponents for Brook have been laughable considering the talent in the division. In fairness Bizier did spring an upset by stopping the previously unbeaten Freddy Lawson. Once the Canadian is out of the way the next mandatory is likely to be #2 ranked prospect Errol Spence Jnr. Brook v Spence would be a great fight. The next best prospect Sadam Ali is also very highly ranked with the IBF and WBO so could fight Pacquiao or Bradley by the years end.
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