Franklin is undefeated in his 21 fights (Picture: Getty)
Dillian Whyte is set to fight unbeaten American Jermaine Franklin on 26 November.
The Brixton heavyweight has not fought since his devastating knockout defeat to Tyson Fury at Wembley Stadium in April.
The 35-year-old is eager to climb back into the world title picture after that setback while a rematch with Anthony Joshua next year remains a tantalising prospect following their first war seven years ago.
‘The Body Snatcher’ will be back out before the end of 2022 however to take on 28-year-old Michigan fighter Franklin.
Franklin has secured 21 wins from his 21 professional fights, ending 14 of those by knockout, with his promoter Dmitry Salita confirming the fight is almost agreed.
‘We are very close to finalising a deal for Jermaine Franklin to face Dillian Whyte in London on November 26th on DAZN,’ Salita told Lord Ping.
‘If you have not heard of Jermaine Franklin you’re about to discover a fighter who is destined for big things, we have a future heavyweight champion on our hands.
Whyte was stopped by Fury in April (Picture: Getty)
‘Jermaine is young, hungry, skilled and has waited patiently for his opportunity. I believe there is no better opponent for him to face than Whyte at this stage of his career.
‘We respect Whyte, he’s experienced and his left hook is one of the best in the business. He’s also in the last chance saloon, so that makes him dangerous.
‘But Franklin, I believe, will come to the UK as the hungrier, fresher man and that’ll be the difference on the night. With Whyte towards the end of his career, this will be a real changing of the guard fight, as the heavyweight division ushers in a future star.’
With Joshua also set to return before the end of the year or the start of 2023, Eddie Hearn has already talked up the prospect of the two old rivals meeting again.
When asked if Joshua vs Whyte will be targeted for a stadium fight, Hearn told Metro.co.uk in September: ‘For sure, it is a fight we all want.
‘I think it is quite easy for me to make that fight. AJ wants that fight, Dillian wants that fight and that’s a fight we will definitely see next summer.’
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Whyte will return before the year is over.