New Zealand boxer Joseph Parker appears to be on the verge of fighting for a world heavyweight title.
Following weeks of uncertainty, the World Boxing Organisation is reportedly ready to give the all-clear for Parker to fight Mexican Andy Ruiz for its vacant belt.
A fight in New Zealand on December 10 between No.1 contender Parker and third-ranked Ruiz has long been endorsed by Parker's management team, Duco Events.
Other possibilities had also been touted to find a champion after Briton Tyson Fury vacated the belt for health reasons.
However, respected boxing journalist Dan Rafael of ESPN says a Parker-Ruiz fight has been sanctioned by WBO bosses at its annual conference in Puerto Rico, with an announcement expected shortly.
It is the clearest sign yet that Parker will become the first Kiwi to fight for a world heavyweight title since David Tua's failed bid against Lennox Lewis 16 years ago.
Rafael said the the fight would be on December 10 and is likely to be at Auckland's Vector Arena.
It appears the WBO have moved away from a reported plan to stage a four-man "box-off" to find a new champion.
Duco Events said it wouldn't have agreed to such a method, with Parker having first rights to fight for the belt under the WBO's own rules.
Ruiz has emerged as the likely opponent because of second-ranked Wladimir Klitschko's reported desire to fight for the vacant WBA belt.
The Mexican, 27, is unbeaten in 29 fights with 19 knockouts.
The taller Parker is three years younger and has also won all of his 21 fights, with 18 by knockout.
