Kiwi heavyweight Joseph Parker might not have to look far for his next opponent, with the management of Croatia's Filip Hrgovic sounding their intention for an IBF title eliminator.
Parker, 29, gave his career a much-needed jumpstart on Sunday, defeating Derek Chisora via a unanimous decision in Manchester, opening up his prospects for a chance at another world heavyweight title.
And after splitting from former trainer Kevin Barry in February this year, Parker's career appears to be back on track after back-to-back victories over Chisora, now under the guidance of Irishman Andy Lee.
Speaking on Sunday, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn teased the prospect of Parker facing off against 29-year-old Hrgovic in an marquee bout for the future of the division.
"You've got [Filip] Hrgovic in a final eliminator - a tough fight, but it gives you the key to the world title in a big split with the IBF," Hearn said on Sunday.
The winner of any eliminator bout would put themselves in the frame to challenge the titleholder, currently Oleksandr Usyk, for a shot at the IBF heavyweight belt.
Hrgovic is currently ranked second in the IBF's heavyweight rankings, while Parker is third. American Charles Martin is ranked as the No.1 challenger, but he has a tough task ahead of him on January 2 when he meets Cuban ace Luis Ortiz.
Taking to Twitter, Hrgovic's management team Kalle and Nisse Saunderland responded to the suggestion of facing off against Parker.
"Love @Filip_Hrgovic v Joseph Parker as a final eliminator," they tweeted directly at Hearn.
Hrgovic's record currently stands at 14 wins from his 14 professional fights, with 12 of his victories coming by knockout.
Standing at 198cm tall, Hrgovic and with a 208cm reach would have the advantage over Parker (193cm height and 193cm reach), should the two square off.
Should Parker and Hrgovic not come face to face though, Hearn also suggested the Kiwi could next enter the ring against the likes of Deontay Wilder, or face a rematch against Andy Ruiz or Dillian Whyte.
Parker last held a world title back from December 2016 to March 2018, losing his WBO belt to Anthony Joshua in Cardiff.
