Adam Catterall thinks that Filip Hrgovic is the logical next step for unbeaten Moses Itauma.
Itauma extended his professional record to 13-0 over the weekend, as he defeated Dillian Whyte, sending him to the canvas after just 119 seconds in the the first round of their bout.
Itauma has established an impressive reputation in the two years that he has been on the professional scene.
As speculation grows on what’s next for the rising star, names like Oleksandr Usyk and Joseph Parker are being thrown around as potential opponents – despite Itauma having only boxed 26 rounds.
Now that he has cemented his WBO No.1 ranking, he could already be up for a world title shot if Usyk declines the order to defend the WBO belt against the mandatory challenger Parker.
Although talkSPORT Boxing pundit, Catterall, proposed Hrgovic.
Catterall explained: “It might end up being Joseph Parker and we could end up with a super-fight on our hands for the world title.
“I personally would like to see him maybe fight Filip Hrgovic next. Off the back of what Hrgovic did at the weekend, I think that might be the right test for Moses Itauma.
“We might get a few more answers that people want to see, before we then throw him in with the likes of the elites that we’ve just mentioned.”
talkSPORT’s own, Simon Jordan, agreed with Catterall that the Croatian would be an apt challenger.
Jordan explained: “That is exactly the space that I think he lands in.
“Ultimately, events may overtake circumstances. If the WBO belt gets stripped away from Usyk, because he doesn’t want to make the fight against Parker, it may be that Frank [Warren] takes his opportunity to get Parker.
“I think Itauma is the real deal, but no-one is asking him any questions right now. With all due respect to Mariusz Wach and Demsey McKean, they didn’t because they couldn’t.
“There was an expectation that Dillian Whyte might, because once upon a time he was a legitimate world title challenger – but he didn’t.”
Itauma has proved, yet again, that his opponents need to come out of the corner poised to be able to contend with his speed.
Unfortunately, this simply wasn’t the case for Whyte who was overpowered by the 20-year-old.
Meanwhile, on the undercard, Hrgovic put on an incredible display to claim another win as he beat David Adeleye.
He suffered a horrific cut to his right eye in the second round, but Hrgovic fought through to win the bout via unanimous decision.
While his professional record currently stands at 19-1, his one loss came against Daniel Dubois in 2021.
Following this win, Hrgovic told assembled members of the media: “Of course I want the winner of Itauma vs Whyte.
“It is going to be an amazing fight, and I am definitely open to any fight.”
Who is Moses Itauma likely to face next?
Itauma is fresh out of the ring, so no official moves have been made towards lining up his next opponent as of yet.
During a post-fight with Boxing News, Itauma explained that his team want him to get rounds in next,
He said: “Joseph Parker, [Agit] Kabayel, and [Oleksandr] Usyk are good names, but I know the team want me to get rounds in before I get to those names.”
“The boring answer is Jermaine Franklin Jr, only because he will get me some rounds.”