Josh Kelly could be in line for a fight with Chris Eubank Jr. according to the boxers’ promoter, Kalle Sauerland.
Kelly fights Placido Ramirez live on DAZN on Saturday night, with the winner likely launched into contention for bigger events.
One option would be to fight Eubank, whose fight with Conor Benn no longer appears imminent.
A domestic clash with Kelly might see the winner confirmed as a title challenger in the months after any bout, and Sauerland sees a way forward.
He explained to Sky Sports : "Obviously top of the world rankings, No 1 in the world Josh Kelly [with the] WBO, so it's logical that a world title fight will be mandated next year.
“Tim Tszyu obviously the champion there. [Kelly] is also IBF No 4 in the world which I believe is currently vacant. There's also a chance that that might get ordered next year.
"Then you look at some of the big domestic clashes. Some of those might even take preference to a world title. Some of those names may not be boxing for too much longer.
"You look at Kell Brook returning, Eubank Jr, Conor Benn. Also who's making a name for himself on the domestic scene is of course Florian Marku, very interesting fight as well.
"So a very, very big 2024 for Josh Kelly with a lot of exciting options for some blockbuster fights."
Discussing the fight tonight for Kelly, Sauerland said: "For Josh this weekend is of course a big event in itself, a homecoming in Sunderland after more than 10 years away but it's also a very dangerous banana skin, a big Colombian banger who have a great history of causing upsets on this soil against big names.
“I'm thinking back to Amir Khan [who was first beaten by Briedis Prescott].
"So got to get that out the way this weekend, eyes on the prize, enjoy the homecoming after the fight and we roll on to next year."