WBU cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli has rubbished Johnny Nelson's claims that he is not ready to face the WBO king. Nelson says the Welshman is too inexperienced, but promoter Frank Warren hopes to arrange a meeting between the two in December.
"I definitely fancy my chances," said Maccarinelli. "If it comes off, it might not be pretty but I'll win."
The Welshman is expected to face Vincenzo Cantatore in September.
The 33-year-old Italian, who holds the European cruiserweight title, would be a significant test for Maccarinelli.
World-ranked 11, Cantatore claimed the vacant title with a points win over Ismail Abdoul - Maccarinelli's last opponent - in March this year.
He then battled to a draw against Rudiger May, Nelson's next opponent, in Germany last month.
Abdoul became the first man to take Maccarinelli 12 rounds in their fight earlier this month, but the Welshman was pleased with his performance.
"Abdoul just came for survival, but I was pleased with the way I dominated him," Maccarinelli told the Sports Network website. "He'd been very slippery with some good Europeans, but I think I showed I can box as well as punch.
"I always knew I could go 12 rounds, but it's nice to show everyone else."
The fighter is currently planning a family holiday, but helped keep in shape by joining the mile-long Sport Relief run in Cardiff last Saturday.
"I did it in five and a half minutes, which isn't bad for a 14 stoner," he said.
"There were some footballers from Cardiff City and the former Wales rugby international Nigel Walker doing it, and I beat them no problem. So boxing came out on top again."
MMIX
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There were some footballers from Cardiff City and the former Wales rugby international Nigel Walker doing it, and I beat them no problem 