Lennox Lewis could be back in the ring with Hasim Rahman in under four months if the former undisputed world heavyweight champion gets his way.
Lewis lost his IBF and WBC titles when knocked out in the fifth round by Rahman in South Africa last weekend.
But a clause in Rahman's contract for that fight insists he must give Lewis a rematch within 150 days of their first encounter.
A statement issued by American promoters Main Events said they and Lewis' London-based co-promoters Lion promotions, television network Home Box Office and the fighter's business manager Adrian Ogun had "reached agreement and designated August 18th as the date of the rematch."
Rahman's camp have yet to agree to anything, and the American's promoter Cedric Kushner has indicated the newly crowned champion will make at least one voluntary defence - perhaps against former world champion Mike Tyson - before making good on the rematch clause in his contract with Lewis.
Tyson is the top-rated contender by the WBC and remains without a doubt the biggest draw in the heavyweight ranks.
But Ogun and Main Events Chief Operating Officer Gary Shaw pressed their case for a rematch.
"We found working with Hasim Rahman, his team and his promoter Cedric Kushner to be a pleasant, professional experience for the initial Lewis-Rahman bout," a joint statement issued by the pair said.
"We expect the same degree of professionalism for the rematch."
AFP