Carl Froch is in line to fight Jermain Taylor for the WBC super-middleweight title vacated by Joe Calzaghe.
The British and Commonwealth champion from Nottingham has been elected to take on the former undisputed middleweight champion by the WBC, who have ordered private negotiations between Hennessy Promotions and Lou DiBella.
If there is no agreement then a purse bid will be held on Friday July 25 at the WBC executive offices in Mexico City.
And Froch's team is hoping that Taylor does not duck the challenge, with promoter DiBella reported to be preferring an all-American fight against former Calzaghe victim Jeff Lacy.
"I'm delighted to get the title fight and just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight," said Froch, who has stopped 19 opponents in 23 fights.
"I've heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion.
"I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it is an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn't squirm out of this situation with me and I think the broadcasters shouldn't allow him to either.
"Lacy seems scared of his own shadow at the moment and Taylor will also be a chicken if he swerves me.
"DiBella says American TV isn't interested in me but believe me they are. Once I knock out Taylor, I will do the same to Kelly Pavlik."
Promoter Mick Hennessy has been in talks with DiBella and is confident the 'Cobra' will be the new undisputed No 1 of the super-middleweight division.
"Carl would have taken out Calzaghe in style but now he will do it to Jermain Taylor instead. He is the new star of world boxing," said Hennessy.
"I've been speaking with Lou DiBella for a while now and I just hope they don't start opting for easier fights for Jermain. This could be a massive fight."

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