By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com spoke with promoter Lou DiBella about the overseas rumors of a welterweight clash between IBF champion welterweight Jan Zaveck (31-1, 18 KOs) and former WBC welterweight champion Andre Berto (27-1, 21 KOs). DiBella, who promotes Berto, also promotes Zaveck's mandatory challenger Randall Bailey (41-7, 36 KOs).

DiBella refused to comment on whether or not a Berto-Zaveck fight was being discussed , but obviously there are ongoing discussions with Zaveck's side about a Bailey clash.

"It's obvious that I'm talking with Zaveck's people because I promote Randall Bailey and he's the mandatory," DiBella told BoxingScene.com. "Did Berto's name come up during a conversation? Berto possibly came up, but a lot of things would have to be satisfied for something like that to happen."

The IBF does not allow "step aside" deals, so in order to make a Berto-Zaveck even possible, the champion would have to make a request to the IBF for an exception. The IBF would then have to approve the champion's request. And, it's unlikely that Bailey would okay the exception without an agreement to remain as the mandatory with a guaranteed shot at the winner.