The prospect of a big-money domestic showdown between Audley Harrison and Frank Bruno grew last night after the latter officially applied for the re-instatement of his British Boxing Board of Control licence.
The 41-year-old former world heavyweight champion has not fought since losing to Mike Tyson for the second time in Las Vegas over seven years ago.
However, Bruno has recently been mooted as a possible future opponent for Olympic gold medallist Harrison and this move would suggest that he is seriously considering that prospect.
Southern Area Council chief Robert Smith told www.secondsout.com: "We have received an application from Mr Bruno and we'll be dealing with his application just as we would with any other.
"But obviously, there are a few matters which we need to have cleared up before we go forward."
The most likely obstacle to Bruno boxing again would be past problems with retina damage.
Smith added: "I think you'd be living in cuckoo land not to have a query about his eyes. We've asked Mr Bruno for further information before we consider his application any further."
Bruno was crowned WBC champion when claiming a unanimous points win over Oliver McCall in September 1995 before losing to Tyson in his first defence six months later.
The much-adored British icon had previously lost three other world title bouts against Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Tim Witherspoon. His record currently stands at 40-5, with 38 of those wins coming by knockout.
Although a clash with Harrison is still some way off becoming a reality, the Sydney Games hero has already talked up the bout himself.
Following his latest win over Matthew Ellis, Harrison told his personal website: "I have had 10 professional contests and every heavyweight in the country wants to fight me.
"Now Frank Bruno has come out of the woodwork you have got to admit that if this fight did happen, it would capture the public's imagination, and in my mind Frank Bruno represents a stiff challenge just like Danny Williams or Herbie Hide would.
Bruno, meanwhile, recently told Radio Five Live: "If I had to get back into the ring in a month's time I would feel mentally and physically ready to do that.
"I could beat Harrison inside three rounds if you want to know the truth. I've studied him and he's in the right sort of market to be picked like a fresh orange."