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Is retribution on the cards for Jeff Horn?

Retribution was always the last thing on Jeff Horns mind when bullies left him seeking comfort in the arms of his mother.

But things have changed and a text message from Top Rank supremo Bob Arum suggests Horn may get a shot at redemption after he dismantled Anthony Mundine in 96 seconds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Next, please: Australian boxer Jeff Horn celebrates after knocking out Anthony Mundine.

Next, please: Australian boxer Jeff Horn celebrates after knocking out Anthony Mundine.Credit:Darren England

If not against pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford, then at least another big name could be on the cards for the 19-1-1 former world champion.

Arum reached out to promoter Dean Lonergan to offer his congratulations for a lopsided knockout victory over Mundine. Lonergan may well respond with a phone call about putting Horn back in the ring with an international superstar, for he has easily conquered the domestic scene.

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The sample size was small but Horn looked impressive in a heavier division and the lure of testing himself at light middleweight or middleweight must surely be attractive.

In taking what was perceived to be a low-risk bout against “The Man”, who at 43 years old is long removed from a world title picture, Horn bypassed a chance to inject himself directly back into championship calculations.

Now a move up as far as two divisions could be on the cards, but Horn is adamant he would slide back down to welterweight with ease – hell go where the gold is.

“It all depends on what opportunities we get, thats the main thing,” Horn said.

“Who is going to come out next? Who is going to want to fight me? Where am I going to be ranked and who can I get a crack at?

“Maybe Ill get a world title shot quite quickly in the super welterweight or middleweight divisions. Time will tell.”

Next generation: Jeff Horn stands over Anthony Mundine as he hits the canvas.

Next generation: Jeff Horn stands over Anthony Mundine as he hits the canvas.Credit:Darren England

Horn's trainer Glenn Rushton is adamant his protege can beat Crawford, but their bout in June showed a significant gulf in class between the former school teacher and the best on the planet.

Canelo Alvarez was another name thrown into the equation, but a win over Mundine – no matter how devastating – will do little to convince anybody Horn is ready to challenge someone of the middleweight king's calibre.

The Mundine bout made sense from a financial standpoint for a man that has long conceded he doesnt want to be fighting forever, but in truth it was a cavernous drop in quality.

Horn had gone from battles with legendary figure Manny Pacquiao and Crawford to a 43-year-old long removed from a world title picture. One that looked timid at that.

What the bout some dubbed a glorified bank transaction did do, is push Horn further into the mainstream in his home country.

With the River City Rumble in the rear view mirror, its time for Horn to get back to establishing himself on the world stage.

WBC champion Shawn Porter appeals to Lonergan, while a return to welterweight could put Pacquiao (WBA regular champion), WBA super champion Keith Thurman, and IBF king Errol Spence Jr. in their sights.

Needless to say, Horn would likely have to topple one of those names if he intends on sharing the ring with Crawford again, which is just where Rushton wants his man to be.

Down and out: Referee Phil Austin waves off the fight with Anthony Mundine unable to find his feet.

Down and out: Referee Phil Austin waves off the fight with Anthony Mundine unable to find his feet.Credit:Darren England

"Well be looking at all opportunities in three weight divisions. Everyone in Australia knows I want Crawford. I know Jeff can beat Crawford, wed like to see that back at Suncorp Stadium," Rushton said.

"The other one of course I would like to see, is Jeff against Alvarez. I would dearly love to see Alvarez come to either super welter or middle. Then again there is a lot of great talent at super welter.

"One thing I am very bullish on is bringing these big fights to Australia. Stuff Vegas, stuff America, lets bring the big fights here."

As the man himself said, time will tell when it comes to Horn's next move.

Caden Helmers is a sports reporter for The Canberra Times

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