By Miguel Rivera

There have been discussions for a potential 2018 showdown between big super featherweight punchers Francisco 'Bandido' Vargas and Jhonny 'Bomber' Gonzalez.

According to Mexican promoter Osvaldo Kuchle, who handles Gonzalez, he's been in talks to make that fight happen in the coming months.

Earlier this month, Vargas (24-1-2, 17 KO's) won a unanimous decision over Stephen Smith in Las Vegas. For Vargas it was his first fight back after losing the super featherweight title of the World Boxing Council (WBC to Miguel Berchelt in January.

For his part, Gonzalez picked up three victories in 2017, making it seven wins in a row since his last defeat.

Vargas vs. Gonzalez was actually in talks to take place earlier this month, but Gonzalez already had another fight scheduled in Mexico in that time period and he was replaced on the HBO televised card by Smith.

Kuchle indicates that the mentioned are just beginning, but did not reveal a possible date or location.

Gonzalez, a former world bantamweight and featherweight champion, said he expects to have a good run in 2018 and said he was open to any possibility.

"I think 2017 was a good year, I had three fights, won them all, and that gave us the guideline to think that in 2018 we can go in search of a world championship," said Gonzalez (65-10, 54 KO's) to ESPN Deportes.

"The division at super featherweight is very good, from the champion Miguel Berchelt and the top contenders, Miguel Román, Francisco Vargas.. it will undoubtedly be one of the best divisions next year."

Gonzalez added two knockouts and a points victory in the year, pushing Francisco Contreras, Jessie Rosales and Irving Berry out of the way.

"I will be willing to face any of the top rated challengers and certainly the champion. I have not spoken with Osvaldo Kuchle yet about my return but I hope to return in February, and then we want to go in search of that important fight to focus on the championship," said Gonzalez, 36 years old.

Jhonny has been looking for an opportunity at 130 pounds for some time now. However, a defeat against Jonathan Oquendo in 2015 derailed that momentum, but he's been able to rebuild his career.