Kell Brook's camp open talks over welterweight unification fight with Timothy Bradley

Brook, the IBF title holder, is keen to face WBO champion Bradley – with Hearn stating that the fight has the potential to be an “absolute belter”.

Hearn began discussions with Bradley’s promoter, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, over the weekend, with a fight in Sheffield in October being discussed.

Ruslan Provodnikov and Diego Chavez have also been mentioned as potential opponents for Brook as he looks to make the latest defence of his title but, with Amir Khan seemingly still an unrealistic option, it is Bradley that he wants to meet next.

“Kell wants to fight Bradley,” Hearn told the Daily Mail. “I had a good meeting with Bob Arum.

“There are plenty of names available but we would like to fight Bradley. Of course we would like to fight Amir Khan, but outside of that fight, this is the best one for us. Style-wise it would be an absolute belter.”

Khan still harbours hopes of meeting Floyd Mayweather before the veteran retires from the sport, while recent reports have suggested that a meeting with former training partner Manny Pacquiao could be a more viable alternative.

Despite those reports, Hearn remains confident that a meeting between the two English welterweights can be clinched within the next 12 months.

“I am still hopeful that fight fans will see Khan and Brook fight each other next year but for now, with Khan wanting to fight Manny Pacquiao, Bradley looks like it would be a top fight for Kell,” he added.