Froch is still chasing a dream fight with Joe Calzaghe

The Nottingham fighter, 30, is undefeated in 22 fights, while Inkin, 29, is unbeaten in 31 pro encounters.

From Monday, the boxers' promoters will have 30 days to reach a deal before the fight goes to a purse bid.

"I'd like to think Joe Calzaghe will be there when I get past Inkin, I want to keep that dream alive," said Froch.

"I'm one fight away from the ultimate aim and the biggest prize in boxing, the WBC title.

606: DEBATE Froch v Inkin is certainly another step up from Robin Reid and I can't wait to see it RA

"It's nice to be confirmed as number one by the WBC as well because I'm up against some stiff competition, like Inkin and Juergen Braehmer.

"Inkin is a decent fighter who is cool and skilful. I boxed him as an amateur in 1999 when he beat me on points but I put him down in the last round with an uppercut that really hurt him. This will be revenge."

Froch, who forced former world champion Robin Reid into retirement on Friday, will face Inkin for the right to fight Calzaghe, the WBC champion.

However, the 35-year-old Calzaghe is expected to relinquish his super-middleweight belts in the near future and step up to 175lb, with a fight against American legend Bernard Hopkins in the pipeline.