The return of former IBF champion Daniel Dubois is closer to being formalised, with China’s giant Zhilei Zhang the man most likely to be in the opposite corner.

Sam Jones, Dubois’ adviser, is the man tasked with making the moves behind the scenes for the 28-year-old, who is now 22-3 (21 KOs) and one of the biggest punchers in the world.

And as Dubois enters the next phase of his career, he does so alongside his old trainer, Don Charles.

Dubois had been working with Tony Sims, but has now returned to Charles, who was hurt when Dubois left him following the rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk last July.

“There’s been talks to try and make Zhilei Zhang against Daniel Dubois, which Frank Warren has highlighted, so we’re actively trying to make that happen,” said Jones.

“We are actively now, with Frank Warren, trying to get Daniel back into the ring pretty soon. He’s ready, he’s back in the gym and he’s raring to go. He’s ready to fight now.”

It looks like London in April could happen.

“Possibly, yes,” Jones said. “We’ve got to speak to Frank Warren again this week but that is what we’re looking at, yes.”

BoxingScene understands that Agit Kabayel, who holds the WBC interim heavyweight strap, is being lined up for another Germany outing with an English opponent likely. Would Dubois take that bout?

“It hasn’t been offered, but we would 100 per cent,” said Jones. “Daniel wants to fight Kabayel. He would love to fight Kabayel in Germany because, let’s face it, Daniel Dubois against Kabayel is not going to points so we won’t have to worry about any judging decisions. That’s a fight between six to eight rounds, in my opinion. 

“Daniel Dubois would love to fight [WBO heavyweight champion] Fabio Wardley, but again, Fabio’s the boss of the situation because he’s the champion and he’s going to decide who he fights as a voluntary. But we’re there. Daniel Dubois would love to fight Fabio Wardley, he’d love to fight Agit Kabayel, and if the Zhilei Zhang fight’s there… look at Daniel’s CV. It’s one of the best out there. He will fight anybody.”

Dubois has not boxed since a repeat loss to Oleksandr Usyk last year at Wembley Stadium.