Steve Collins' showdown with Nigel Benn appears to be getting closer after the 53-year-old Irishman said on Tuesday he has been issued with a licence to box.
Collins, who ended Benn's career after stopping the 'Dark Destroyer' in two successive fights in 1996, told Sky Sports in 2014 he would welcome a return to the ring against either Roy Jones Jr or Joe Calzaghe.
That never materialised but the 'Celtic Warrior' was approached by Benn this summer about a third contest between the pair.
"Nigel's camp are still serious about going ahead with it," Collins told talkSPORT.
"I've applied for my professional boxing licence which I have been successful in receiving.
"I'm now a licensed professional, if they come up with a deal and if the money is there it'll happen, I've no other reason to fight."
Benn, 53, had initially hoped to renew his rivalry with Chris Eubank, but a prospective rematch between the pair failed to materialise, forcing the former two-weight world champion to turn his attention to Collins.
Collins is the only Irish fighter in history to hold world titles at two different weights.