Maxi Hughes targeting Gustavo Lemos in world lightweight title superfight in 2023

The IBO champion defeated former IBF featherweight king Kid Galahad in Nottingham last month, in one of the most impressive wins of his career.

Prior to that contest, the Doncaster boxer was ranked 12th by the IBF, who have yet to update their lightweight ladder since Hughes’ majority decision win over Galahad.

Last weekend, American Devin Haney remained the undisputed lightweight champion as he outclassed Australian George Kambosos Jr in a rematch between the pair.

However, Haney may need to start vacating some of his belts as the various governing bodies begin to order mandatory fights – essentially making it impossible for him to remain undisputed.

"I have a bit of a plan in my head, I sent Eddie [Hearn, Hughes’ promoter] a voice note telling him my plan,” said Hughes.

"I won't fight again until next year but the plan I have got is: I was ranked highly with the IBF and they have not updated their rankings since my fight.

"I was 12th before beating Kid Galahad, after beating him I should be in the top 10 as the IBF seem to hold their former champions in high regard.

"If I can get a higher ranking with the IBF, they are the strictest in ordering mandatories.

"It is possible Haney is going to have to vacate some of his belts, because he is not going to be allowed to defend them all. The number one contender is Gustavo Lemos, I would love to fight him for a vacant belt if Eddie can make it happen.”

Hughes has won his last seven fights and has continued to build his stock after almost quitting the sport four years ago.

However, he believes that his win over Galahad posed a higher risk than the reward was worth, as he took the points decision in Nottingham.