Teams of Alexander Povetkin (35-2-1, 24 KOs) and Dillian Whyte (27-1, 18 KOs) are close to signing a contract for the fight, which will take place this spring.
Eddie Hearn, the promoter of both fighters, have called the place of the meeting and two possible dates - Manchester, April 25 and May 2.
Povetkin and Whyte last boxed in December, on the boxing evening of Joshua vs Ruiz 2 in Saudi Arabia. Povetkin battled to a draw with Michael Hunter, and Whyte defeated Mariusz Wach on points.