WBC super-middleweight champion Carl Froch would "love to fight" veteran American Bernard Hopkins in September.

Froch, who is back in the gym after a short spell off following his fine win over Jermain Taylor in April, looked set to face IBF holder Lucian Bute.

And although that unification fight may still happen, Froch told East Midlands Today he is eager to face Hopkins.

"It will probably be Bute but if we can do a deal with Hopkins he is someone I would love to fight," said Froch.

"The next fight will probably be in September we're looking for the fifth but nothing has been set in stone yet.

"It will be Lucian Bute or Bernard Hopkins, who is an American legend. If that's the fight that can be made then that's one I'll go for.

606: DEBATE Who would you like to see Froch take on next?

"If it's Bute it will be in England, if it's Hopkins it will be in Las Vegas."

The Nottingham fighter says his dramatic points win over Taylor has raised his profile and he is keen to make the most of it.

"I'm at the top of the game now," Froch said. "I'm world champion - I fought a great fight against Jermain Taylor and it's been acknowledged I'm a serious operator."

Froch, 30, said he has taken some time out after the exhausting tussle with Taylor but is raring to go again.

"I've been away for a week but other than that I've just been relaxing my bones and muscles and having a bit of a breather after 12 weeks of training," he explained.

"The rest is important so that is what I've been doing. Physically it takes a lot out of you but mentally too. It's very demanding."

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