Five foes for Delgado to potentially fight.
When a fighter gets a title shot, it is important for many reasons. For one thing, it represents the culmination of all the effort and hard work he has exhibited throughout his life, and it’s the first real test of his true ability.
Secondly, it gives him the opportunity to call himself a world champion. Should he succeed in attaining that distinction, that is something that will stay with him forever regardless of what happens for the rest of his career.
This very moment has now arrived for Lindolfo Delgado, Mexico’s unbeaten super-lightweight contender. Following the signing of Richardson Hitchins to Zuffa Boxing and the subsequent vacating of his IBF title, Delgado (the #1 contender) has been made eligible to fight for the vacant strap.
While it was initially believed that Teofimo Lopez would be the 31-year-old’s opponent, it has now been confirmed that Lopez has turned the fight down. And as a result, Delgado’s foe will have to be someone else in the IBF’s top 15 at the weight.
Let’s take a look at the five most promising (and likely) contenders for who that could be.
5. Gustavo Lemos.
A fighter who embodies Argentinian ruggedness, Gustavo ‘El Electrico’ Lemos (30-2, 20 KOs) most recently appeared on the big stage when he was mowed down in two rounds by Keyshawn Davis.
One fight prior, though, he had given Richardson Hitchins a terribly difficult night, coming up short in a highly debated decision defeat. So, in spite of his loss to Davis, Lemos remains a tough contender.
Though he is ranked well enough to earn a title shot, many would question if he is fully deserving, for his only action following that one-sided loss is a win over the 10-3 Miguel Angel Bolaño.
Whether he is or not, he will doubtless come to fight, which should give Delgado plenty to think about and treat boxing fans to a classic all-Hispanic encounter.
4. Ernesto Mercado.
Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado (18-0, 17 KOs) is an incredibly exciting fighter. You see that knockout ratio, so you know what the California native brings.
While not yet being tested with a truly top-level opponent, Mercado has put in some very dominant performances over some good names.
The power-punching American would provide Delgado with yet another aggressive style to combat, and it would come in the form of a young and unbeaten contender.
Nobody would be disappointed if Delgado-Mercado was made. It would be something truly fascinating.
3. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela.
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (31-5-1, 17 KOs) has already fought Delgado, and when the two faced off in November, controversy followed.
Valenzuela scored a knockdown in the final session, but despite being the winner for many, it was Delgado who got the nod on the cards.
Each card was a score of 114-113, but two of them were in Delgado’s favour. And as a result, Valenzuela lost the hotly contested eliminator for the IBF title.
Given the nature of the decision, a rematch for the vacant strap they previously fought to be the challenger for makes a whole load of sense. For both men, it would present a chance to right a perceived wrong and become world champion while doing so.
And hey, who doesn’t love an all-Mexican scrap?
2. Arthur Biyarslanov.
Arthur ‘The Wolf’ Biyarslanov (21-0, 17 KOs) is very likely the scariest Canada-based Russian with “A.B.” initials this side of Artur Beterbiev.
Holding a win over former champion Sergey Lipinets, Biyarslanov has fought his way into title contention through appearing on Eye of the Tiger Promotions undercards.
A sinister brawler who also possesses technicality, Biyarslanov is a style package that fits absolutely no-one. However, him against Delgado would be something to behold.
Whether it’s him or not, you can only imagine the styles would gel splendidly.
1. Adam Azim.
This one would be quite a big step-up for Adam ‘The Assassin’ Azim (14-0, 11 KOs), but if he is half as special as many think he is, a fight with Delgado for the vacant world title may not be above his current level.
Azim is still only 23 (or 24, depending on the source), so he has plenty of time to improve and get big opportunities. However, should he be presented with an opportunity like this, there is no doubt he should consider taking out.
The Slough man has greatly impressed in several recent performances, and he has faced very little adversity throughout his career.
The former IBO champion, Azim was scheduled to face Gustavo Lemos in January of this year, but that fight fell through after both parties were injured.
Reports suggest he has now recovered and is currently in training, so could this be his next outing?
It’s definitely one to ponder.
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