But there has been speculation that Lewis could, instead, feature on HBO on April 7 - against Kirk Johnson or Hasim Rahman - in defence of his world heavyweight titles.

Plans can change quickly in big-time boxing, and HBO have an April 21 slot at their disposal which would be available to accommodate the needs of either of the celebrity British duo.

HBO executive Kery Davis said: "We've been holding that date April 7 for Naseem Hamed. We've looked at the April-May time period when Lennox's next fight would be, but as far as I know he hasn't made any set plan in terms of where and when he's fighting.

"Neither Hamed or Barrera has a track record in pay-per-view, but it is such an intriguing match-up that I think the fight will capture the imagination of boxing fans and I think it will do well."

Olympic champion Audley Harrison has indicated that his professional debut could be on April 7 and, having stated that there is a "good possibility" that Lewis could be his advisor, it seemed logical that the man recognised as the world's undisputed heavyweight champion would be likely to head the same promotion in America.

But if HBO's schedules hold firm, it may just be that Harrison could take his first step on the professional stage in a back-to-back show in London if April 7 remains his target.

Meanwhile, Harrison, awarded an MBE in the New Year's honours list, says he has found a trainer in America. They will work together for a couple of weeks before an announcement is made, probably later this month.

With his Sydney triumph more than two months behind him, the British - and doubtless the American fight scene - is awaiting firm news of the direction he will take in the professional game.

Britain's last boxing gold medallist Chris Finnegan made his paid debut just 44 days after his triumph in Mexico City in October, 1968. By the time Finnegan received his MBE in the following February, he had fought four times for pay.