:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/999903/garcia_winningjpg.jpg)
The WBA has ordered a purse bid for a potential fight between featherweight titlist Celestino Caballero and young prospect/contender Mikey Garcia for May 3, as promoters have been unable to reach an agreement to date.
Caballero (36-4, 23 KO) won the title last October in a rematch in Argentina with Jonathan Victor Barros, three months after many felt he'd been robbed in their first encounter. In December, he surprised most by heading to Japan for a road defense against Satoshi Hosono, winning a wide 12-round decision on New Year's Eve.
Garcia (28-0, 24 KO) easily won his last bout, predictably banging out a TKO win over Bernabe Concepcion. The 24-year-old has been impressive in his wins, but he's sort of treading water right now at a certain level. A fight with Caballero would be a big step up, but guys with top-level talent often are able to make that jump without much trouble. Abner Mares would be a recent example, as he went from fighting mid-level journeymen to Yonnhy Perez, Joseph Agbeko, and Vic Darchinyan, and is still unbeaten.
This is definitely a strong fight for both guys, a jump for Garcia and a great challenge for Caballero, who has generally done well against guys he's taller than, with his freakish 5'11" height for the weight, and he'd have a height advantage. It's a risky proposition for both guys, and hopefully we see the fight happen.