The 30-year-old (17-0-1, 14 KOs) was last in action on January 16, scoring a 10-round points win over short-notice replacement Jordan Panthen at a 156-pound catchweight.

That result came after original opponent Alexis Rocha (26-2-1, 16 KOs) withdrew with a medical emergency, having been hospitalized during fight week before their proposed rematch.

The pair fought to a thrilling 12-round majority draw in December 2024 but while they've veered in different directions since, Curiel has remained adamant he wants a world title shot soon.

Rated No. 2 by the WBA, No. 3 with the WBC and No. 8 in the IBF rankings this month, he was a keen observer over the weekend as Jack Catterall pitched a career-best points win over Shakhram Giyasov in Egypt.

Speaking to DAZN's Chris Mannix in fight week, he favored his fellow 2016 Olympian's amateur pedigree and experience against a Brit making his third appearance at welterweight.

'El Gato' delivered a classy showing to win the WBA 'regular' title, one vaulting him seven places to The Ring's No. 3 spot at 147 pounds as he closes in on a shot at 'super' champion Rolando Romero next.

"I wanna fight the winner and be world champion too. I've already won a WBA title eliminator so ... Giyasov is on another level [compared to Catterall], but I'm here to fight anyone, here and ready, they know me and that I'm ready for my opportunity," Curiel said.

Eddie Hearn, Catterall's promoter, has doubled down on their collective desire to snare an inactive Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) and strike while the iron is hot after the 32-year-old's excellent win abroad. 

Romero, who was in talks with Devin Haney for a WBO/WBA title unification earlier this year, has been ordered to face Catterall (33-2, 14 KOs) within 180 days — November 19 — meaning while Curiel is highly-rated, he'll have to defend his position before then.

Knowing that Top Rank and Golden Boy are now on the same broadcast platform in DAZN, he was asked about a potential matchup with former WBO beltholder Brian Norman. Having announced he's back under new trainer Ronnie Shields with a second-round stoppage of Josh Wagner earlier this month, 'Cugar' welcomed that idea too.

"Yes, of course. I never say no to nobody, that's what I'm here and signed for. If he wants to fight, I've got one in August but can sit with my team and see if he wants to fight for a world title, I'll fight with anybody."