By Simon Hirst: Carl Froch recently became a 3 time following his five round demolition job on the former unbeaten IBF king Lucian Bute. With it, Froch continued an impressive streak that runs of eight world class opponents; something that just doesn’t happen in this era of the sport.

So with a win record of 6-2 in these fights, what way does the new IBF champion go in his bid to secure a Hall of Fame place.

Well, rematch seems to be the key word with Froch as he has already fought most of the top guys in his division. To carry on such a great streak, it may be inevitable that he has to face someone he already has fought before. With that said, there is always the option of moving up, or down (at a catchweight) to find a new foe. Let’s look at his options.

Mikkel Kessler

Kessler is one of two men to defeat Froch, with this win coming in the group stages of the super six. Kessler is very tough, punches hard and boxes well. The first first was a contender for fight of the year, so a rematch seems very attractive for both fan-pleasing fighters. Both men seem to want the fight, with Nottingham likely to host the event.

Andre Ward

Ward has proven himself to be the number one guy in the Super Six, beating Froch in the final comprehensively. Froch admits the better man won that night and this is the loss that seems to have motivated him the most. However, Ward does have an awkward style that isn’t too crowd pleasing and is also pencilled in for a match with Chad Dawson. Perhaps the winner of this faces Froch, who knows.

Andre Dirrell

Most people who watched the first fight suggest Dirrell should have won his first fight with Froch, however arguers counter that Dirrell was not aggressive enough and seemed to run most of the fight. However, what is clear is the style of these two did not mix well and it seems very unlikely a rematch will happen.

Sergio Martinez

Probably the most surprising name on this list, but also a small chance this fight could happen. It does make for an interesting fight. Martinez sits in the top 10 pound for pound rankings, whilst Froch has admitted he could possibly come in lighter than the 168 limit. A meeting in the middle would be a sell out in England or Madison Square Garden.

Jean Pascal

A fight between these two happened three and a half years ago and was the beginning of Froch’s amazing gauntlet. Pascal has gone on to further his reputation, winning light heavyweight gold and becoming the first man to beat highly regarded Chad Dawson. However, a draw and a loss to Hopkins, Pascal has a point to prove and seems to be fighting Cloud next.

Lucian Bute

Lets not forget Bute has the rematch clause in the contract which may decide what Froch can do. If Bute decides he wants his rematch, then FRoch will have to travel in Montreal and face the man he stopped. Question is, does Bute feel he is ready to rematch Froch just yet? He may decide to take a few warm up fights before mixing it with an elite fighter again. If not, Froch will have to travel to make his first defence.

Nathan Cleverly

An all British affair seems an option with some attractions for Froch. Some, if not most, would see taking this fight as an easier fight than some mentioned above, however, that is not to say this fight doesn’t come with some glory. Presumably, Cleverly’s world title would be at stake, offering Froch the chance to win a world title at a second weight class. Also, Cleverly, not known for his big punching ability, would offer less risk of beating Froch in a brawl with Froch known for his granite chin. On a personal level, this is the fight I want most as it offer Froch more of a plateau in negotiations in the light heavyweight division.

Who ever is next in line to face ‘The Cobra’, it seems likely Froch will continue his world class gauntlet. Froch has a few more years in him, so expect him to continue against the very best and come to fight!