British heavyweight David Haye has admitted that he is looking to secure an opportunity to face Lucas Browne at London's O2 Arena on May 21.
Earlier this month, Browne shocked Ruslan Chagaev to win the WBA Regular title in Russia, and the Australian is now mandated to face Fres Oquendo as part of the tournament currently being held by the organisation.
However, Haye, who returned to the ring in January with a first-round knockout of Mark de Mori, is hopeful of stepping to the front of the queue if a financial package can be put together that suits all parties.
In a video on his Facebook page, Haye said: "It could potentially be a blessing in disguise that I haven't been able to nail down an opponent as yet, because it seems after speaking to Team Hatton that the possibility of Lucas Browne being available to fight on the show against myself is a possibility.
"Nothing is done until it's done but normally in boxing in my experience - and I've had quite a bit - if it makes financial sense for everybody involved, nine times out of 10 unless there is egos involved or there is some deep-rooted hatred, whatever makes the most amount of money seems to make sense.
"Obviously Fres Oquendo will need to be happy because he is mandated to fight Lucas Browne next, I'm aware of that. But once again if you gave Fres Oquendo the chance to fight Lucas Browne or fight myself, I think I know what the answer would be."
Haye has previously signalled his intent to face Anthony Joshua, but that bout seems unlikely for 2016.
Darren Plant
