By Phil D. Jay

Matchroom Sport promoter Eddie Hearn has told World Boxing News that the ball has started rolling on a possible return between four-time super middleweight world champion Mikkel Kessler (45-2, 34KOs) and new IBF belt holder Carl Froch (29-2, 21KOs).

Hearn, who masterminded Froch’s return to champion status with victory over Lucian Bute at the weekend, is ready to give the ‘Cobra’ a chance to avenge one of just two defeats on the Nottingham fighter’s 31-fight record and stated that the fight could be next on the agenda for the three-time title holder.

''I spoke with Kalle yesterday and it's pretty clear everyone wants the fight,” Hearn told World Boxing News.

“Carl wants to avenge that defeat and what a huge fight that would be. His profile has risen to another level and Froch-Kessler II is a mouth-watering prospect.

“There is the argument that Carl should make an easier defence but knowing him I can't see that happening!'

The Kessler talks may now mean that an immediate rematch with Bute gets put on the backburner until at least 2013, although Hearn will hold further talks with the Canadian’s promoters Interbox over the next few days.

''We have a rematch clause in our contract which has to be exercised within 4-6 months and we would be happy to make the trip to Montreal to honour that,” explained Hearn.

“Obviously Lucian would need a fight before that and that's unlikely this will happen within the timeframe. The most likely scenario now is that we will both have an interim fight and then look for a potential rematch next spring.

“As champion that option would be transferred through to our opponent so Lucian would get a shot either way. We will speak with Interbox this week and map out a plan with them.'

Froch’s reputation worldwide has soared with the victory over previously undefeated Bute and Hearn is ecstatic with the response since the win. Hearn is a close friend of the 34 year-old and told WBN that he always believed that Froch would eventually gain the adulation that had eluded him, despite prolonged success in the sport.

“Finally now Carl Froch will get the credit and superstar status he deserves.

“I said before the fight that victory over Bute would, in my opinion, see him become one of the all-time greats of British boxing and we should proud of what he has achieved,” added Hearn.

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net