It takes a while for any fighter to climb up the rankings and secure a world title shot. More times than not, the position they occupy in one sanctioning body, is completely different when compared to another. But for Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington, he’s universally viewed as one of the best featherweights on the planet.

The IBF has him slotted as their fourth-best contender, the WBA placed him in their number-two spot. The WBO and WBC, however, believe he’s the number one contender out there. Those highly ranked positions have been associated with Carrington for a while now but he still hasn’t come close to fighting for one of their straps.

Frustration is beginning to set in a bit. With another ring appearance coming up, this time against Enrique Vivas, Carrington believes that once he throws his soon-to-be bloodied body off the featherweight mountain, one of the champions should be next.

“It has to be,” said Carrington to Sean Zittel when asked if a title shot is next up. “It has to be. I’m not waiting any longer. All I need to do is beat Vivas. I would love to do it in dominating fashion.”

Grabbing that victory is his next and most important step. A major upset, of course, would push him to the back of the line, and at the age of 27, he has no time to waste.

The path is clear, beat Vivas and begin politicking his way to a title shot. But plenty of boxers have attempted to walk that same track, only to be sidelined. A random fight against a non-contender here, an unnecessary matchup with a journeyman there, it all prolongs the process. Carrington though, won’t allow himself to deviate from the mission.

“I want the world championship like right after,” continued Carrington. “I want it like in the summer of this year.”