Two weeks, two blockbuster fights, and a tectonic shift at 154. The WBA gold changed hands and a new challenger emerged for the WBC one. The super welterweight division is getting heated with Terence Crawford in it. But there are two more fighters who found themselves on the other side of the result. Instead of glory, misfortune followed, and now Israil Madrimov and Serhii Bohachuk are at a crossroads.

When ‘Bud’ scaled to the champion’s ladder, Madrimov lost his throne. This past weekend, Bohachuk didn’t get his hand raised when he went to war with Vergil Ortiz Jr. While Madrimov, 29, had to part with his championship, Bohachuk failed to stamp his golden ticket to a title fight. So, what if the two were to fight each other next? More importantly, why should it happen?

Israil Madrimov vs. Serhii Bohachuk: a route to the championship

What fans witnessed in Crawford vs. Madrimov was a classic boxing match—each punch thrown with calculation and each step taken with measure. It was as close as it could be. So, it was natural that demands for a rematch were heard the moment the fight ended. It’s not possible right now, with Crawford, 36, eyeing a match with Ortiz Jr. HE Turki Alalshikh has also thrown his weight behind that fight. But what lies beyond that?

Madrimov, at 10-1, and Bohachuk, at 24-2, can fight it out while the WBA picture clears out. The winner could be next in line to face the winner of Crawford vs. Ortiz Jr. That’s not it. It also allows the two to reassess the situation and pick another champion if Ortiz Jr. ends up enforcing his mandatory WBC status against Sebastian Fundora, given that he emerges victorious against Errol Spence Jr. A potential win for either Madrimov or Bohachuk could open the gates to a title fight, and it’s something the fans would love to witness, too.

Fans’ demand and business side of things

As soon as the announcer read the judges’ scorecards, there were sighs and applause for Madrimov. The Uzbekistan fighter had swayed the fans with his technical prowess and his accuracy and effectiveness. He is not an unknown face for American fans anymore, and some could even put their money on him to bag a win against anyone. And at 29, Madrimov is only entering his prime. He is a fan-favorite already. The same goes for Bohachuk.

The Ukrainian boxer has made a name for himself as a knockout machine. His all-but-two fights went the distance, and the fans admire his aggression and forward-pressing style. Despite losing the last fight, Bohachuk dropped Ortiz Jr. twice to his knees. He has the flair and the explosion to make sure the fight remains fast-paced with constant fireworks. And when you put a technician in Madrimov against him, it’s already a mouth-watering match.

As they say, styles make matches, and boxing fans will favor this fight, flocking to the arena to catch it live. The fight also offers both fighters a shot at steering their careers, and fighting a top contender would do just fine.

Staying near the top—a hiccup, not a jolt

When you lose a critical fight, you can build slowly with tune-up fights or take another tough competition, utilize the experience of the last fight, and rack up a win. That sets you up on an upward trajectory and gives you a shot at redemption quicker than any alternative route. Both Bohachuk and Madrimov can stack up their resumes, collect an important win, and again push for a spot at the top.

The two will also realize whether they are ready for a title fight yet or whether there is more ground to cover before reaching there. When they are done fighting with each other, they will have more experience tackling a top contender. While this fight could turn out to be a title eliminator, it will surely attract eyeballs, propelling them into the limelight and issuing a red alarm to the champions at 154.

What do you make of this hypothetical fight between Israil Madrimov and Serhii Bohachuk? Do you think the winner will insert himself into the title picture? Let us know in the comments below.