Daniel Dubois could face Oleksandr Usyk in a heavyweight unification bout at Wembley in July, with promoter Frank Warren crossing his fingers the fight goes ahead.
Warren represents the British fighter, who holds the IBF belt, and is eager to strike a deal for him to face Usyk, the WBA, WBO and WBC champion.
Warren confirmed talks are onging, telling talkSPORT: "There have been talks, but nothing is done yet. Nothing at the moment. Talking goes on, and I hope it comes true."
Reports suggest 12 July at the London stadium has been earmarked, should the rival parties come to an understanding.
The pair last met in 2023, when the undefeated Ukrainian stopped Dubois in Poland.
Since then the 27-year-old Dubois has bounced back by defeating Jarrell Miller, claiming the vacant IBF belt with a win over Filip Hrgovic, and knocking out Anthony Joshua.
It has also been reported that a request has been lodged with the WBO to sanction the Dubois-Usyk clash ahead of the scheduled mandatory defence against Joseph Parker.
Dubois is set to face veteran Derek Chisora next if the Usyk talks fall through. Usyk has not boxed since beating Tyson Fury for the second time in Saudi Arabia in December.
Fury announced his retirement the following month and promoter Bob Arum does not think expect the 36-year-old to return to the ring.
Fury has stepped out of retirement on three previous occasions, most recently in 2023, but Arum told the BBC 5 Live Boxing podcast he does not expect another U-turn.
Arum said: "If I was a betting man I would say he will never fight again. Marvin Hagler had an expression – 'a rich guy who goes to bed wearing silk pyjamas doesn’t get up in the morning to do road work’.
"Tyson, really, I don’t think wants to get up in the morning and do road work and go through the experience of having to train when economically he doesn’t have to do it any more."
Fury was undefeated before back-to-back losses to Usyk in Saudi Arabia, in May and December last year and his record stands at 34 wins, one draw and the two defeats.
Fight fans speculated Fury was ready to return after being seen working out in his own gym, while current promoter Eddie Hearn last week said a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua could still take place.
