Lawrence Okolie could finally face Mairis Briedis in a cruiserweight unification clash this summer if both fighters make it past their next fights - according to the Latvian star's promoter Kalle Sauerland.
British star Okolie currently holds the WBO cruiserweight world title belt, while Briedis holds the IBF title - and both fighters have been urged to step into the ring to unify the titles in what would be highly-anticipated showdown.
Both fighters have expressed an interest in getting the deal done - but Okolie must first face Michal Cieslak next month, while Briedis has a mandatory defence against Jai Opetaia in Australia. However, Sauerland insists the fight can happen as soon as this summer should both men make it past their next challenges.
Lawrence Okolie (L) and Mairis Briedis (R) could final settle their score in a cruiserweight unification clash this summer, according to the Latvian's promoter
Kalle Sauerland says he sees 'no reason' why it can't happen if they both make it through their next mandatory defences
'Okolie is a fight we have looked at and talked about,' Sauerland told Sportsmail.
'They've said we haven't made an offer. It's quite simple. We've been discussing the fight with Eddie [Hearn] for about a year. We were told there would be an offer incoming, then we got a mandatory, which will be Jai Opetaia in Australia. That will be in March or April, then we're free.
'They've got a fight against Cieslak - we'll get through our fight, they'll get through their fight. We've got a good relationship with [Okolie's promoters] Matchroom and there's no reason that fight can't happen in the summer.'
Despite all the calls for Okolie and Briedis to get down to business, it seems the IBF champion - who has just one defeat on his record, a majority decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk - is distracted by a possible lucrative fight in the United States.
British star Okolie will defend his WBO title against Michal Cieslak next month but has declared his interest in taking on the feared Briedis
