Denzel Bentley could get a second crack at WBO middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly later this year.
The Brit was No.14 with the sanctioning body when he was selected for a surprise voluntary title defense by the Kazakh star last year.
But Bentley gave an impressive account of himself at Palms Casino Resort and pushed Janibek all the way, eventually dropping a unanimous decision with two judges scoring it 116-112 twice and the other 118-110.
The champion returned from that November clash in May, stopping Steven Butler in two one-sided rounds in Stockton while Bentley ended his April comeback fight in just 45 seconds with a demolition of Kieran Smith.
And now BoxingScene.com understands that Queensberry Promotions, who represent Bentley, are exploring the possibility of a second fight between the two, which is targeted to take place on a date this coming autumn.
Queensberry have a close working relationship with Top Rank, who promote Alimkhanuly.
Bentley has been mandated to defend his British middleweight title against Hamzah Sheeraz by the British Boxing Board of Control but he may vacate that belt in order to fight for the world title for a second time.
However, it is understood that any deal will ensure that 17-0 Sheeraz, 24, will fight the winner.
Sheeraz is expected to feature on the September 23 card topped by Joe Joyce’s rematch with Zhilei Zhang and victory could set up a shot at the WBO title in December or January.