Tuesday 28 November 2017 16:04, UK
Dillian Whyte is waiting to find out if Lucas Browne will be his next opponent as he warms up for an expected world title fight in 2018.
The Brixton heavyweight is within touching distance of a shot at one of the world champions after strengthening his lofty position in the rankings with a points win over Robert Helenius last month.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is planning Whyte's next fight at The O2 on February 3, which could be against the unbeaten Australian Browne.
But 'Big Daddy' is also being considered by WBO champion Joseph Parker and is yet to commit to a future fight until he learns the next move of the New Zealander, who is in advanced talks for a unification clash against Anthony Joshua.
"He's going to return, it looks like February 3 at The O2," Hearn told Sky Sports. "We're looking for a big fight. He may fight Lucas Browne, particularly if Joshua gets the Parker fight, because Browne is in the mix for that one too.
"But he's ready. I think he's learning, he's working hard, he's proving he's a top heavyweight.
"He ground out a win over Helenius, it wasn't sensational, but it was a good solid win, against a very good heavyweight in Helenius, so Dillian we want to get him a shot at the belt. 2018, looking at the rankings, it's a matter of when, not if."
Whyte has been pursuing WBC champion Deontay Wilder, who rejected a large offer to battle 'The Body Snatcher', and Hearn believes a rematch with Joshua could be another world title opportunity.
I think he's one fight away from that now, and Joshua wants to fight him as well. They had a great fight, they had a great ding dong and Joshua loved it, he wants to do it again.
Hearn said: "Behind the scenes, Dillian is working very, very hard, and you have to realise this guy is No 1 in the WBC, he's No 3 or 4 in the IBF, he's 6 or 7 in the WBA, he's top 10 in the WBO - he's a real legitimate heavyweight contender, and the plan for Dillian Whyte is to get him that world title shot.
"I think he's one fight away from that now, and Joshua wants to fight him as well. They had a great fight, they had a great ding dong and Joshua loved it, he wants to do it again.
"2018 will see Dillian Whyte challenge for a world heavyweight title."
