As BoxingScene.com previously reported, David Haye remains on course to return to the ring later this year and expects his opponent to be confirmed in the coming fortnight.

The heavyweight is again in the gym as he continues his recovery from the Achilles injury that undermined him during his defeat by Tony Bellew in March.

Press Association Sport understands he remains in negotiations for a rematch with Bellew in December and that plans for that fight have progressed to the point potential undercard fights are being prepared.

Before then Haye will also promote the professional debut of Olympic silver medallist and heavyweight Joe Joyce against Ian Lewison at London’s Indigo at The 02 on October 20. However, it is a return to the ring, and then a challenge of Anthony Joshua, that occupies his mind.

“The plan is (to return) before the end of the year,” the 36-year-old said. “That’s what I’ve said since I had my operation. That’s what I believe will happen.

“It’s better now than the doctors anticipated. I’m running, bounding, hopping and punching. There are a few names bouncing around but I’ll know probably in the next couple of weeks and then everybody else will know too.

“(A rematch with Bellew) might happen but only if we can get on the same page. We have always been on different pages. I won’t be holding my breath for that one. If it’s supposed to happen it will happen but at the moment I wouldn’t put money on it. There were many fighters over the years who wanted revenge but didn’t get it. I wanted to avenge the loss against Carl Thompson and that never materialised, the same thing with Wladimir Klitschko. If it happens, it happens.”

According to Bellew's trainer David Coldwell, there have been some "positive talks" for the Haye rematch.

"All I know is that obviously there are talks going on," Coldwell told Sky Sports. "They have been back and forth for quite a while now really I suppose, but I believe there are positive talks going on.

"It is one of those fights that are possible. Whether or not it gets finalised or not, I'll believe it when I see it. There are other options, but we're just seeing which one is the best one really. Best and most viable, that's what you've got to look at."

When he was asked about a fight date in December, Coldwell stated:

"Yes, possibly. That's what we're hoping for."