Hopefully a step up at least! Or even actually be active. Personally, Hrgovic would be the best option as he is tough and can actually box a bit. Far far too early for Usyk. Too soon for Wardley/Dubois surely... even Kabayel is a huge step up. AJ/Fury no chance of that happening really. Probably more fighters I didn't list eg - Vianello, but can only list up to ten options.
Zhang, Parker, Dubois would be the three main names I’m thinking of. Obviously Usyk and Kabayel come to mind but I don’t think he should jump into those fights quite yet.
Rico ... to watch how he floors him in less than one round and highlight what a massive wbc world title defence we can expect from usyk ;-)
I'm switching to that one, too. Exactly what would happen. And i'd rather see itauma lowering his level of opposition than usyk with his few fights left and multiple belts waiting for a legitimate defense.
Hrgovic, then the loser of Wardley/Dubois, and then the winner of Wardley/Dubois. Itauma walks Dubois into the same uppercut he knocked Franklin out with. Wardley is so unorthodox that it'd be a great matchup and would actually test his chin. Dubois style is tailor-made for Itauma, and he is not actually anywhere near as good as people make out. He would've lost to Hrgovic if he hadn't been allowed to headbutt him relentlessly.
Hrgovic would indeed be the perfect next step. If he’s not available, Bakole would be nice too, as long as he comes in relatively decent shape.