Bedford Banger Matt Skelton looks set to fight Italian Poalo Vidoz for the vacant European heavyweight title in early November.

Skelton, 41, has been out of action since his points-defeat against Uzbekistani WBA world champion Ruslan Chagaev in Dusseldorf back in January.

He had been scheduled to fight Sinal Samil Sam for the European belt in Istanbul on May 30, but the bout had to be postponed because of an injury to the Turk, before illness forced Skelton to pull of out the re-arranged date on July 4.

Vidoz stepped into the breach against Sam following Skelton's withdrawal, but was on the wrong end of a controversial points defeat, after a recount. Sam has since vacated the belt, in order to seek out a fresh challenge on the world stage, leaving the door open for Skelton.

The deadline for purse bids is Monday, September 8, with a strong likelihood that the fight will take place in Germany.

Skelton said: "The fight has become vacant again and we're looking at November. I'd love the fight to be over here but, as always, it is down to purse bids. Having said that, I think it'll be over in Germany.

"I've been back in the gym for about a month and if the fight was any sooner than November, I wouldn't be 100 per cent ready anyway. So at least it gives me time to get back to peak condition.

"Vidoz is a very good fighter. Like I've said before – at this level of the game –you've got to respect the guys you're fighting because they have all dedicated themselves fully to the sport. He has been around and fought some top names so it'll be a good fight for me, but I'm quietly confident, shall we say."

Skelton also hopes that a victory over Vidoz will propel him back into contention for another world title shot, adding: "Ultimately, it's still there and I've got to cling on to that really.

"I've looked back and studied my fight against Chageav and I think I dominant the early part of the fight. His experience did come through in the latter stages, but I still feel there is more to come from me really and, because I've fought at that level, I want another shot to come good."