Froch believes he is on the verge of a world title

Carl Froch could be in line to fight Jermain Taylor later this year for the WBC super-middleweight title.

The WBC have told promoters for the two boxers to begin negotiations, but the match-up is by no means certain.

Nottingham's Froch was named earlier this year as the mandatory challenger for Joe Calzaghe's WBC belt, but the Welshman is expected to give it up.

Froch, 30, said: "I just hope Taylor shows a real fighting heart and goes through with this fight."

The unbeaten British champion, who has stopped 19 of his 23 opponents, fears American Taylor - the former middleweight champion - may opt for an easier payday.

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"I've heard he was talking about fighting Jeff Lacy next but that fight is a mismatch in my opinion.

"I would knock Lacy out in a round or two and it's an easy fight for Taylor, so I just hope Jermain doesn't squirm out of this situation with me.

"I heard [promoter] Lou DiBella has said 'who is Carl Froch to American television', but he will know who I am when his fighter is laying horizontal in front of him."

Froch's promoter Mick Hennessy added: "I've been speaking with Lou DiBella for a while now and I just hope they don't start opting for easier fights for Jermain. This could be a massive fight."