Tony Bellew (30-2-1, 20 KOs) does not believe Andre Ward (32-0, 16 KOs) is retired from the sport.
Earlier this month at the O2 Arena in London, Bellew set the record straight by stopping David Haye in the fifth round of their heavyweight rematch.
Following the win, Bellew surprised many observers by issuing a direct challenge to Ward, who last fought at the light heavyweight limit of 175-pounds.
There is a big gap in size and Ward has been out of the ring since retaining his IBF, WBA, WBO light heavyweight titles with a stoppage of Sergey Kovalev in June 2017.
A few months after that win, Ward announced his retirement from boxing
But prior to making that decision, there were discussions about a potential fight with Bellew at the cruiserweight limit of 200.
Bellew is standing firm on the contest and he's very motivated to get the one-time pound-for-pound king in the ring.
"Oh, it's very serious, he wants it and I want it," Bellew told Sky Sports. "I'd love the fight, he [Ward] is pound-for-pound material.
"Ward wants to fight at cruiserweight/heavyweight so we will see. I don't think he's ever been properly retired. He has stayed in the gym and he's come out in public and said he's been sparring once a week. Boxing is a hard game to come away from, speaking from experience.
"I still believe I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I left the division the best fighter in there, but I know some people will disagree with that. A lot of things will have to be worked out for this fight on the business side, it has to make sense and work for both of us. Someone will have to come up with figures first."
If that contest came together, most experts would pick Ward by decision or Bellew by stoppage.
But Bellew believes that he's more than capable or outboxing Ward.
"We are coming towards the end of our careers and have been in some wars so we've both got to be happy to get it on," Bellew said.
"I believe I can beat him two ways, I can outbox him or chin him. I'm bigger and stronger than him and my range is better, but he's probably quicker. Although he is a master on the inside, an old general, I think I can prove to people that I'm better there. just believe I can beat him any way I choose."