PADDY Fitzpatrick says that Luke Watkins and Garvey Kelly are in talks with a ‘major promoter’ about a long-term deal.

The Swindon fighters, who are managed by world super-middleweight title contender George Groves, look set to sign a promotional deal by the end of the summer, according to the Ferndale Road-based trainer.

And because of the negotiations with one of the country’s leading promoters, unbeaten cruiserweight Watkins and welterweight Kelly have withdrawn from their bouts at the York Hall on July 18.

“Duke (Watkins) and Garv are not fighting on July 18 now because they are in negotiations with a promoter who wants to do something more long term,” Fitzpatrick said. “I can’t say too much at the moment but it is a major promoter in the UK.

“Hopefully it will be sorted over the next couple of weeks.”

Fitzpatrick says that they are working towards a date of August 22 for Groves’ WBC world title shot against Badou Jack.

The governing body’s president Mauricio Sulaiman tweeted last month that the contest was set for the end of August in Las Vegas.

However, Jack’s representatives, The Money Team, or Groves’ promoters Sauerland Promotions, are yet to confirm the date.

“Nothing is 100 per cent yet,” the Irish trainer added. “We are 99.9 per cent there and they have to let George know by the end of business on Friday because the rules state that you have seven weeks to prepare.

“We are working towards August 22, but if they want to move it to September 12 (to be on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather's next fight), they have to get permission from George.”

Meanwhile, Eamonn O’Kane will clash with Tureano Johnson to become the number one contender to face new IBF middleweight world champion David Lemieux.

The Fitzpatrick-trained Northern Irishman is currently ranked number seven by the organisation and is their inter-continental champion, while Bahamian Johnson is ranked eighth.

“The IBF have asked us if we would be willing to face Tureano Johnson for the number one ranking,” Fitzpatrick said. “Eamonn has agreed and so has Tureano. We are now waiting for a letter from the IBF so we know how long we have to agree a fight.

“If we can’t agree, then it will go to purse bids. But it will be a good bout - both men come to fight and the prize is to become the mandatory challenger to face David Lemieux.”

The Ferndale Road trainer will also guide light-heavyweight Sam Smith, from London, as he makes his professional debut at the York Hall on July 18.