David Haye's dream of a £10million showdown with world champion Vitali Klitschko has moved a step closer after the heavyweight was granted a British boxing licence, pending the completion of medical tests.
The 31-year-old retired from the sport in 2011 after losing to Wladimir Klitschko in Hamburg but returned to take on Dereck Chisora at Upton Park last summer in a thrilling grudge match held under the auspices of the Luxembourg Boxing Federation.
But Haye has already been interviewed by the British Boxing Board of Control and General Secretary Robert Smith confirmed this week that they have agreed to issue a licence upon him passing a medical.
Haye, who is a former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion, has always insisted that he would only return to the ring to fight Vitali.
The 41-year-old, who holds the WBC belt, was elected into the Ukranian parliament last year and has yet to decide whether to continue his boxing career. He is expected to make an announcement within the next month.