By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport Online

Danny Williams may fight John Ruiz for the World Boxing Association heavyweight title by the end of the year.

Williams, the reigning British and Commonwealth champion, has learnt that his promoter Don King is ready to pitch Ruiz against a British heavyweight for his next defence.

As King promotes both Williams and Ruiz, a fight between the duo is a strong possibility.

Brixton-heavyweight Williams is keen to make one more defence of his British title, probably against Keith Long on 7 September in London.

If Williams is successful in that fight, he will get to keep his Lonsdale belt and fulfil a lifelong ambition.

Ruiz beat Canadian Kirk Johnson last weekend, thus ridding himself of any mandatory requirements pertaining to his WBA title.

He is free to defend his title against any challenger rated in the governing body's top 10, and Williams is currently at ninth.

The 30-year-old Ruiz, who hails from Puerto Rico but bases himself in Las Vegas, won the title from Evander Holyfield in March 2001.

Many in boxing, including Williams, have described Ruiz as the weakest heavyweight champion for years.