Monday 7 November 2016 12:58, UK
David Haye could be offered a fight against Alexander Ustinov for the WBA 'interim' heavyweight title, says the Russian’s manager Vladimir Hryunov.
The 36-year-old Londoner was not granted a bout for the vacant WBA 'super' or 'regular' titles when the organisation announced its sanctioning plans last week.
IBF champion Anthony Joshua will take on Wladimir Klitschko for the super title next spring if he defeats Eric Molina on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office, while Lucas Browne will battle Shannon Briggs for the regular belt.
But Haye can edge closer to a title shot if he captures the interim belt and Ustinov's manager is planning to hold talks with the former two-weight world champion and Germany's Manuel Charr.
"Alexander Ustinov has reserved the right with the WBA to hold a championship fight," Hryunov told Boxingscene.com.
"I think that in the next two weeks a contract will be signed with one of the boxers holding a high position in the rankings. This fight will be for the WBA's interim championship and there will be negotiations with the two most likely opponents, who are both known boxers - David Haye and German Manuel Charr."
Ustinov, with 33 wins and just one defeat, has fought before in Britain and Hryunov insists he would return to these shores for a clash with Haye.
"Wladimir Klitschko used his exclusive right to hold a unification bout and WBA therefore only allows him to meet with Joshua, instead of Alexander," added Hryunov.
"If the selected opponent for Ustinov will be Haye, then the fight will take place in England and if the opponent will be Charr, then it happens in Germany."
Luis Ortiz was originally scheduled to defend the interim title against Ustinov but the Cuban was stripped of his title after failing to agree terms and will instead fight Malik Scott in Monte Carlo this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.