By Aus-Boxing.com

JEFF Horn is now legitimately a part of the welterweight world title picture, especially when it comes to the soon-to-be-vacated IBF title.

The Brisbane-resident oozed class in his recent nine round masterclass against durable German import Rico Mueller at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Chandler. But with the status that accompanies his lofty world rating by both the IBF and the WBO, comes the inevitable conversation of who is next for the undefeated former Olympian.

Horn, 28, has blitzed through his competition thus far as a professional, looking better in each passing appearance, despite facing significantly better opposition that any of his domestic peers. This year Horn has fought twice, breaking down former IBF welterweight ruler Randall Bailey in April, before disposing of the aforementioned Mueller.

With that mind, we have compiled a scouting report of five potential opponents that the 2015 Fighter of the Year could face in the future.

1. Errol Spence Jr, United States (21-0, 18 KOs)

Errol Spence is seen by most regarded boxing experts as a blue-chip prospect that is a near certainty to win or at least challenge for a version of the welterweight championship.

The 26-year-old former Olympic representative has an impressive resume that is arguably the best of any fighter in the division that doesn’t presently hold a world title. So talented is the humbly spoken American that advisor Al Haymon has struggled to secure fights for his charge against divisional leaders Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman, who will instead face each other next year.

Spence is without a doubt the hardest route to a welterweight world title for Jeff Horn. However, this is where the Australian deserves credit as almost every other available contender has rejected the opportunity to challenge Spence, even with the hefty pay cheque that it would guarantee.

Nobody would blame Horn for passing on a fight with IBF #2 and WBO #3 rated Spence. However, all indicators suggest that Horn would accept the fight if reigning IBF titleholder Kell Brook decides to vacate his throne.

2. Lamont Peterson, United States (34-3-1, 17 KOs)

Former unified WBA and IBF light welterweight titleholder Lamont Peterson has been touted as a potential opponent for Horn for several months.

The Washington native was in discussions to face Horn earlier this month, however an agreement could not be reached between the teams of Peterson and Horn, who is represented by leading New Zealand promotional outfit Duco Events.

The 32-year-old switch hitter, who holds credible wins over Amir Khan, Dierry Jean and Felix Diaz, would provide Horn with an unique challenge, given his ability to fight both inside the pocket and from a distance. Peterson is rated one spot behind Horn by the IBF, sitting at number five, making him a potential opponent for Horn if Spence lands a bigger fight.

3. Konstantin Ponomarev, Russia (30-0, 13 KOs)

Of all the potential opponents touted for Horn, Russian livewire Konstantin Ponomarev might just be the most difficult for the Australian.

Like Horn, Ponomarev is undefeated and has plied his trade for the most part in his native homeland of Russia. This has given him the ability to develop at his own pace before making the eventual transition into the American market. The 24-year-old, who now works with renowned trainer Robert Garcia at his Oxnard academy, has impressed since making his US debut in 2013.

The IBF #3 and WBO #5 rated Ponomarev was recently signed by promotional giant Top Rank, who swiftly signed Ponomarev after the Russian stole the unbeaten record of both Brad Solomon and the highly touted Michael Zewski.

Technically gifted and with deceiving punching power, Ponomarev is one to watch.

4. Bradley Skeete, England (24-1, 11 KOs)

Bradley Skeete has gone about his business with minimal fuss, picking up the British and Commonwealth welterweight straps.

The lanky Skeete, 29, does nothing exceptionally well, but has a well-grounded game that is primarily fought off his jab. Interestingly enough, the popular Englishman is not considered to be the best welterweight in his country, let alone the world, making him a potential target for Horn, who still needs time before challenging world-level opposition.

Skeete is signed to iconic British promoter Frank Warren, who is very much aware of Horn’s skill set, after offering the Australian a world title opportunity against fellow Warren-backed fighter Liam Smith, who held the WBO light middleweight title earlier in the year.

Given Skeete’s ability to sell tickets, Warren may offer Horn a chance to face the Englishman in London.

5. Leonard Bundu, Italy (33-2-2, 12 KOs)

The last fighter on our scouting report is the often under appreciated Leonard Bundu. The Italian rose to notoriety after becoming the first fighter to defeat the previously undefeated amateur standout Frankie Gavin in 2014, who holds a win over the previously mentioned Skeete.

The win over Gavin earned Bundu an unlikely shot at interim WBA welterweight titleholder Keith Thurman, who scored a shutout 120-107 scorecard from all three judges. Bundu bounced back with consecutive wins before being knocked out for the first time in his career by Errol Spence Jr.

At 41, Bundu’s best years are most likely behind him. However, Bundu is a crafty veteran that has shared the ring with multiple world-level fighters, an accomplishment that Horn is yet to secure.

Without the ability to draw a crowd in both the US and Italy, Bundu’s advisory team, led by Al Haymon, will most likely let Bundu travel abroad to fight providing the price is right.