Carl Froch claims domestic rival George Groves has rejected the chance to sign up for a rematch - despite a seven-figure offer.
The two were involved in a classic IBF super-middleweight title fight in November which ultimately culminated in Froch retaining his belt via a controversial ninth-round stoppage.
Londoner Groves, 25, has since launched an appeal against the decision taken by referee Howard Foster Jr and joined countless fight fans in calling on the veteran Froch to agree to face him again.
Froch, 36, has remained relatively quiet on his next move until now with Andre Ward, Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev all mentioned as potential opponents - but former WBC middleweight king Julio Cesar Chavez Jr has now emerged as the most likely candidate.
The Nottingham fighter said in a statement released on Friday: "There has been plenty of speculation over the last few weeks regarding my future. As it stands we are looking closely at two options George Groves and Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr.
"Yesterday, we made a seven figure offer to George Groves for a second fight that would have seen him earn around double that of the first. Disappointingly, George rejected this offer so we are continuing our talks with Top Rank and HBO regarding Chavez Jnr.
"I understand the demand for the Groves fight in the UK, but also the demand in the US for the Chavez fight. Talks are ongoing and no doubt some further news will break soon.
"I'm happy to fight anyone, as I have done throughout my entire career."