Undefeated Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic expects to add his name to the growing list of potential challengers at the maximum weight class jockeying for position as we approach 2021.
Hrgovic (11-0, 9 KOs) is in action on Saturday when he meets American Rydell Booker (26-3, 13 KOs). If he can become the first man to stop the 39-year-old Booker, who came up short against world title challenger Kubrat Pulev, mandatory contention will be on course for the near future.
"He's in a very good position after just 11 fights," Hrgovic's co-promoter Nisse Sauerland told Sky Sports. "To become mandatory is our aim. [Current IBF mandatory challenger] Kubrat Pulev is fighting Joshua, then there is Charles Martin, Oleksandr Usyk (who is going the WBO route), Michael Hunter and Andy Ruiz Jr.
"So hopefully, with a win on Saturday, he can jump into the top five."
Sauerland has already mapped out his man's route to the top, identifying which governing body of the four key groups he believes will recognize the Rio 2016 bronze medalist as top contender first.
"The IBF is the route that has opened up for us," he continued. "The WBC title will be tied up for quite a while. The IBF stick to their mandatories and they are very regular. So, for us, it is the soonest route.
"The aim is to get a world title fight next year."
The heavyweight scene has developed considerably over the last five years following a long time being considered a shell of its previous generations.
And between WBC champion Tyson Fury, IBF, WBA and WBO titleholder Anthony Joshua, challengers such as Usyk, Ruiz Jr., Daniel Dubois, Joe Joyce and more, Hrgovic looks poised to be part of a reawakening of the "glamour" division on the big stage.
Hrgovic vs. Booker takes place on Saturday, Nov. 7, live from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.