Steve Collins and Frank Warren are to meet tomorrow in the attempt to settle the dispute over his proposed title defence against Joe Calzaghe. The WBO super-middleweight champion walked out of last week's head-to-head meeting with Calzaghe in London, claiming he had not been informed of the fight and said "it was impossible" to go through with the defence in Widnes on September 6th.
Warren says that the World Boxing Council have now informed the Irishman he must fight Calzaghe by September 30th or be stripped of the title.
Collins, who returned from holiday almost a fortnight ago, has contacted Warren, requesting the meeting, which would appear to be the only way to settle the impasse.
Should the pair reach agreement, the WBO's deadline may be extended to give Collins more time to prepare for the big-punching Welshman.
Warren insists that Collins is under contract to fight next month, while the champion said last week that a clause catered for the option of a bout, which he could take or leave.
"Collins has always been kept informed of the position," said Warren yesterday. Collins recently teamed up with PR guru Max Clifford to "broaden his image worldwide". The Irishman aired his grievances in a statement issued on Clifford's letterhead.
Warren says he is to take legal action against Clifford, alleging libel in the statement and, additionally, for interference with contracts.
Collins insisted last week: "As far as I'm concerned there's been no fight to train for. I would not be ready to fight until late October.
"At 33, I want to be fighting men who will bring the hunger out of me. In a conversation with Frank straight after the Cummings fight, I told him I wanted unification fights against Frankie Liles (WBA champion) or Robin Reid (WBC holder), or failing that one against WBO light heavy champion Dariusz Michalczewski.
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