Maccarinelli is ready to risk his WBU title against David Haye

Maccarinelli's promoter, Frank Warren, is understood to have offered Haye a shot at the world title.

Swansea's Maccarinelli is ranked fourth in Britain and Haye 10th, so it would be an enticing match-up.

The English champion is undefeated in nine professional fights - his latest a second-round stoppage of Zimbabwe's Hastings Rasani on Saturday.

The 190lb division is an exciting one in Britain, with Jonny Nelson (WBO) and Carl Thompson (IBO) both holding versions of the world title, while Mark Hobson has the British and Commonwealth belts.

Maccarinelli, like Haye a 23-year-old, completed his third title defence in February when he dug deep for an eighth-round win over Garry Delaney.

Last year the Welshman told BBC Sport that Haye was certainly on his wish-list of future opponents.

"We're the same age, the same height, we've both got a big dig and fast hands," Maccarinelli said.

"A year or two from now - when we're both on top of our game - that's a British title fight.

"We'll find out then who's number one - and that's no problem."

But with Maccarinelli already a world champion the stakes have been raised considerably.