Yuri Foreman is close to a deal to make the first defence of his WBA world light-middleweight title against former welterweight champion Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden on June 12.

The New York-based fighter is ready to commit after a proposed defence against Manny Pacquiao, rated the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, fell through.

Foreman has now switched his attention to Cotto and his manager Murray Wilson said: “We want the fight.”

American promoter Bob Arum, of Top Rank, who guided the careers of both Foreman and Cotto, said: Miguel asked me if he could fight Foreman. It’s close to a done deal.”