Mike Tyson is set to make his latest comeback against Irishman Kevin McBride on July 30.
The former world champion has fought for just 49 seconds since being battered by Lennox Lewis in June 2002. That was the total time he needed to knock out Clifford Etienne in Memphis in February last year.
Tyson's adviser Shelly Finkel told USA Today he was putting the finishing touches to a deal which could see the fight staged in Louisville - birthplace of Muhammad Ali.
"Mike just wants to get into the ring. He's serious and he's in great shape," said Finkel.
Tyson, who is training with Freddie Roach in Phoenix, is believed to be targeting an end-of-year bout with new world light-heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver. Finkel said that he had already had preliminary discussions with Tarver's team over that possible bout.
McBride is unlikely to upset those best-laid plans. The former prospect was born in Clones but has spent most of his fighting career in America. The 31-year-old boasts a 31-4-1 record including defeats to former contenders Axel Schulz and DaVarryl Williamson. He is not ranked in the top 100 in the latest independent heavyweight rankings.
PA