Light heavyweight contender Sullivan Barrera has become a promotional free agent after his contract with Main Events expired and the company did not move to re-sign him.
Barrera (22-2, 14 KOs), 36, a former amateur standout in Cuba who fights out of Miami, challenged for a world title in March but suffered a 12th-round knockout loss to Dmitry Bivol. But Barrera bounced back Nov. 3 with a one-sided decision win over "Irish" Seanie Monaghan, after which his contract with longtime promoter Main Events ran out.
"At this point in my career I only want to fight the best," said Barrera, whose only other loss came by unanimous decision in a nontitle fight to retired pound-for-pound king Andre Ward in March 2016. "I have always wanted to be a champion and I will accomplish my dream. I want to fight the (Dec. 1) Adonis Stevenson-Oleksandr Gvozdyk winner, the (Feb. 2) Eleider Alvarez-Sergey Kovalev winner, (former titlist Badou) Jack, (titleholder) Artur Beterbiev. Those are the guys I want.
"There are no excuses for these fights not to happen. I don't have a promoter so any of these fights should be easy to make. Beating Monaghan got me back on track. I was able to work on some things in the gym and I promise that the next time I get a shot at a world title I will win. I am just reaching my peak and the fans haven't seen my best yet."
Barrera owns wins against former world title challengers Vyacheslav Shabranskyy, Karo Murat and contender Joe Smith Jr. He would most like to fight Jack next.
"I saw on social media that Badou Jack is looking for an opponent in January and that timetable works perfect for me," Barrera said. "I am sure the fans would like to see me and Jack trade punches."
Main Events promoter Kathy Duva said she did not make an effort to re-sign Barrera but wished him well.
"November was our last fight with him. We talked about re-signing him, but we could not find a way to justify making another big investment in his future," Duva said. "Sullivan is a lovely young man and we wish him all the best."