Former unified cruiser-weight world champion Denis Lebedev has set his sights on a title fight with Lawrence Okolie later in the year.
Lebedev, who held the World Boxing Associaition (WBA) and the International Boxing Cruiser-weight titles between 2012 and 2018 wants to fight Okolie in Russia.
Okolie’s promoter, Eddie Hearn said Okolie wants to fight Lebedev and both camps are already in talks to make it a possibility around July.
He said: “I have got the green light from Lawrence who said he would be ready to fight Lebedev next.
“I have also spoken to World of Boxing, we have made them an offer.
“Obviously, he’s got to accept that offer but from our side we are ready to go for that fight.”
Eddie Hearn, who also promotes heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua believes 26-year-old Okolie can beat the veteran Russian should the fight take place.
“I do think Okolie can win that fight and I think when you get an opportunity to fight for a world title in one that you may be a slight favorite, I think you should take it.”
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Lebedev,39, has won 32 fights and lost two fights with 23 wins coming through knockouts while Okolie, who is the WBA Continental (Europe), Commonwealth and British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) Cruiser-weight champion remains undefeated in 12 fights.