Wardley's April WBO defense opponent - Hrgovic?

So far to me Hrgovic seems the most interesting and worthy option. He called Wardley out at the Kabayel/Knyba event so he's definitely interested in the fight. For those who don't know, right after the Joyce win Hrgovic was offered to fight Wardley just 2 months after that, in June of 2025, and despite suffering a cut agaisnt Joyce he accepted, but Wardley opted for Huni instead.

Hrgovic is ranked 2nd in WBO, right after Itauma and comes off 2 decent wins over Joyce and Adeleye with new trainer Abel Sanchez.

So far we know these other contenders are busy with each other:
Itauma, who would otherwise be before Hrgovic, already has a fight with Franklin. He also has the same trainer as Wardley.
Dubois vs Zhang
Chisora vs Wilder.
Joshua is out of the game for at least a few months owing to the accident.
Fury vs Makmudov.

Of those who are free we have Jared Anderson - ranked 5th but inactive, and after Bakole KO'd him I doubt he would be a good challenge for Wardley on 12 rounds. Jalolov and Ajagba would be more interesting fights than Anderson but objectively Hrgovic is the most deserving of the title shot, and subjectively, most interesting option.

 

I doubt Warren will want Wardley Itauma right away. As mentioned, they share the same trainer, and they're both undefeated British prospects, so one of them would have to lose. I also doubt they'd want to put Itauma so early against a dangerous puncher like Wardley.

On the other hand the benefit of that fight compared to the Hrgovic fight for Warren is that the title stays in Britain either way.

 

*Would have been fireworks. Before Bakole chose burgers over boxing.