By Edward Chaykovsky

Unbeaten heavyweight contender Gerald Washington believes a fight with WBC world champion Deontay Wilder is 'very possible' in the coming months.

On Wednesday Wilder was granted permission from the World Boxing Council to make a voluntary defense, after his May 21 mandatory clash with Alexander Povetkin was postponed following the Russian challenger failing a pre-fight drug test.

Both Washington and Wilder are managed by Al Haymon and fight under the Premier Boxing Champions umbrella.

Washington (17-0) is ranked within the WBC's top 15 so he is eligible to get a crack at Wilder's title. There are very few challengers available as most fighters in the rankings are already committed to other opportunities.

"It's very possible," Washington told Sky Sports. "I looked at the list and there are only a few guys that he hasn't fought on there, and there are a few guys that he's just fought. t's a very good possibility. I have to get ready right now. My determination was not to stay in Hawaii any longer, but get back to work, just in case I do get the call. I'll be prepared if I do.

"We're both with Al Haymon. It's just a matter of them giving me the call. I'm right here, I'm able and willing. It's an opportunity that I've been waiting a long time for. It's going to be a big task, but I'm happy to agree it and take it on. I just the love the way it will look and I know it will bring out the best in me.

"He's a big guy and he likes to go at it, but I feel that my athleticism really comes to the fore when I'm up against a big guy, because I'm a lot more agile than a lot of bigger guys. If not, I'm definitely a lot stronger than him. I cannot wait for a match-up of that magnitude. It's going to be very exciting for me, for my team, and my gym. I've got to start working now as if I'm preparing for a world title."