What’s Next For Oscar Duarte?

Matias is the former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion, who lost his belt to Liam Paro. Since the Paro loss, Matias has racked up three wins on the spin, beating Roberto Ramirez, Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela and Alberto Puello, respectively. The Puello win made him the WBC champion at 140. Matias’ record stands at 23-2-0, with 22 wins by knockout, showing he is a power puncher. 

“I’m very excited and motivated. I feel right now like I am a world champion. It will just take a little more time for the world title to come to me, but it will come. I feel like I have it now. I enjoy the work everyday. After I win this fight, I’ll talk to [Matias] and tell him, ‘I want you,” Duarte said

Options

Alternatively, Duarte could target fighters who are higher in the WBA rankings. Puello is currently ranked number three in the WBA rankings. He is coming off a loss to Matias, as he lost his WBC belt. That was the first loss of his career, as he moved to 24-1-0. Prior to that, he had secured wins over Sandor Martin and Gary Antuanne Russell, showing he is a danger man in the division. 

Equally, Daurte may try to avenge one of his losses in the form of Ryan Garcia. Garcia is currently coming off a loss to Rolando Romero. Reports indicate that talks are taking place for a rematch. However, Oscar De La Hoya has said he does not want the rematch. He believes there are other alternatives out there for Garcia, which would produce better fights.

Garcia has said he will Golden Boy Promotions after his next fight once his contract is up. A Duarte fight gives him the chance to sign off in a competitive bout and face an opponent who gave him some problems before he got the stoppage. Either way, Duarte is in a good place.