Chris Eubank Jr.'s promoter gave an update on the fighter’s proposed clash with Conor Benn.
The pair had been expected to fight towards the end of 2022 but they are yet to meet in the ring, though there had been hopes for a clash to be rearranged either for the end of this year or for early next.
However the prospects of that being met have been looking slim in recent weeks, with both fighters apparently exploring other options.
For Eubank, that could be a world title fight, albeit it under the auspices of the IBO, which is not considered one of the four major belts.
Speaking to Sky Sports, promoter Kalle Sauerland gave an update, saying: "I can confirm that the negotiations around a potential Eubank-Benn clash for early next year have finished.
“The parties were not able to reach a commercial understanding and the negotiations have now ceased and the fight is dead in the water at this minute.
Etinosa Oliha, the IBO middleweight champion, could be next.
"I can also confirm that the IBO have ordered a mandatory challenge for Chris Eubank Jr and that's something we are currently in negotiations around but it's early days still," Sauerland said.
"Eubank is No. 1 with the IBO and the WBO."
Janibek Alimkhanuly is the WBO champion, with a title challenge for that belt likely more appealing to Eubank Jr. as he aims to finally become a world champion.