Initial reports have made mandatory challenger Jose A. Gonzalez the early favourite, although Hearn stated that nothing had yet been determined for what will be the Coatbridge fighter’s third defence of the title.
“Ricky has a shortlist of four or five names for his upcoming fight and I can confirm that Gonzalez is one of those being considered,” Hearn told World Boxing News.
Burns, 29, signed for Matchroom earlier this week after severing his ties with Frank Warren and is already considered one of Hearn’s star names after holding WBO titles at two different weight classes.
Names like Adrien Broner and Miguel Vazquez have been mentioned as possible unification opponents in the future, although Hearn is pushing through with bringing some big names to Scotland for the time being.
With Broner moving up to 147 for a title challenge against Paul Malignaggi in June, the Vazquez fight, which was initially touted to take place under Warren, could possibly be resurrected later in the year.
For now though, unbeaten Puerto Rican Gonzalez heads the queue and with 17 stoppages on his 25-fight record, could potentially give Burns a tough fight if confirmed by Hearn for the May date.
