WBO Champion Jeff Horn is all set to make his first title-defense against Gary Corcoran on Dec. 15 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. It will be an interesting match with Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum already mapping out plans on “The Hornet’s” next foe.

Arum, who co-promotes Horn, is considering either Manny Pacquiao or Terence Crawford as the former school teacher’s opponent in 2018.

The two options were made since the 85-year-old promoter is unsure if Pac-Man will still return to the ring. Much of that was covered in a previous post.

Don’t sleep on Corcoran

Gary "Hellraiser" Corcoran is a virtual unknown to boxing fans. According to Boxingscene.com, the challenge is considered a fringe contender whose biggest fight happened in July 2016 against Liam Williams. Corcoran lost to Williams, the only loss in his boxing career.

The 26-year-old opted to drop down a division after that loss. His last fight was against Larry Ekundayo which he won via split decision last July 8. The victory allowed him to win the vacant WBO Inter-Continental welterweight belt.

The win pushed him to the 10th spot in the WBO world rankings. Critics believe that there were other more credible names ranked higher such as stablemate Bradley Skeete (ranked 3rd). According to Arum, picking Corcoran was because of his style – an assurance that he will bring the fight to Horn.

Explosive affair

With two rising stars in the division, Horn vs Corcoran should be interesting. Though it pales in comparison to big name fights, boxing fans are in for an explosive affair with two fighters expected to exchange fierce blows.

Horn is expected to have his hands full, especially against a fighter who hardly rings a bell. The 29-year-old cannot afford to take Corcoran lightly, meaning his team will need to find out more about the little-known 26-year-old from London.

Flickering hope for Pacquiao return

Speaking of hype, Arum has obviously not closed the door on a Pacquiao return. The eight-time division champion is busy with his political duties and has remained firm on wanting the rematch in the Philippines. The debate continues to rage with Arum not showing any signs of budging.

If Pacquiao opts to pass, Crawford should be an interesting alternative. According to Talkbox via RingTV.com, Arum is grooming the 29-year-old to face Horn for the WBO Welterweight title. He adds that the fight will happen either in February or March 2018.

With Pacquiao expected to exit the sport soon, Arum has diverted his focus on Crawford. He acknowledges the fighter’s tremendous talent, believing that the era of Terence Crawford will happen in the next five years or so, Boxing 247.com reported.