Hrgovic has big PR problem, unlikable, boring fighter, it is possible that in interest of 4 boxing federation they wouldnt allow a man like him to become champion, at least not with the status quo. So who can he fight to prove himslef, who would step in the ring with him? It is generic to say he should have fought top 10 opponents when he has been trying to do that for 4 years. Hrgovic has 2 names - Zhang and McKean, both southpaws and better opposition than last 2 fights of anyone in heavyweight including Joshua, Fury and Wilder, except Usyk NO CHANCE/ buisiness decision that is expected: Fury, Joshua, Wilder, Ruiz, Ortiz Refused once or multiple times official IBF letter - Ruiz (3x), Joshua, Parker (2x), Sanchez, Ortiz, Ruiz, Gassive, Bakole, Joyce, Hunter, Martin, Kabayel, Wallin Accepted - Zhang and Yoka Called him out - Jared Anderson Given the information, in my opinion it should be like this (if Usyk ducks): Jared Anderson - only fighter that called him out, that fight would be great Winner of Zhang/Joyce - though I doubt Joyce would accept that Or screw popular fighters and attack unpopular but avoided: Arslabek Makhmudov Bakole (doubtfull Bakole accepts having already refused) Zhan Kossobutsky Kabayel (maybe he changed his mind) Jarred Miller David Adeleye
Anyone on Hrgovic's level, I would single out Bakole and Makhmudov, they are fighters who would be a real test.
Arslanbek I think. If he beats Hrgo this may finally sends him forward in the ranking. Sanchez and Wallin are also good options. But if the Usyk fight fails, Usyk must finally be stripped.
Every one of the three would cancel each other until 1 is left, but all 3 have danger in them to outclass Joshua, Fury and Wilder. Shame, but what it is, is.
Ortiz rejected it, he is 45 and only wants $, he has no interest in this, maybe if Hrgovic was a champ. Southpaws, he already beat 2 back to back, other than Usky, Zhang and McKean, I dont even know is there even southpaws in top 50.
May as well hang in there for Usyk. The HW division is just in state of malaise because of Fury. There's little incentive to take risks when there's such a limited path to belts. If Usyk drops the belt that's an opening which may not arise again for years the way things stand. Hrgovic probably isn't going to be taking big risks, entrenching this mess even further. Fury should fight Usyk sooner rather than later.