By Rene Umanzor

The featherweight champion of the World Boxing Council (WBC), Jhonny Gonzalez (57-8, 48KOs) could very well face off with Gary Russell Jr. (25-1, 14KOs) next, according to the Mexican champion's promoter Oswaldo Kuchle. Negotiations are taking place and he says a deal could be wrapped up by the end of the week.

"Johnny should be fighting in March. The team that we are negotiating with is [for a fight with] Gary Russell Jr. The fight should be closed this week. Jhonny must confront these kinds of opponents to establish himself as a solid champion," Kuchle said.

The deal with Russell is a three fight package says the promoter. If Gonzalez wins, he would then face the man he knocked out in August of 2013, Abner Mares, on a date in June. If he beats Mares, he would then face Leo Santa Cruz (who would move up in weight) on September 12 (Mexican Independence Day weekend).

"In the package, as part of the negotiations the fight with Russell, is Abner Mares. In winning, Jhonny would go forward with Mares in June, and if he wins those fights - then on September 12 he would face Leo Santa Cruz," said Kuchle said.

Rene Umanzor covers boxing in Mexico for The Record.