Carl Froch could yet be tempted to make a stunning comeback from retirement to fight Gennady Golovkin in 2016, according to Eddie Hearn.

The 38-year-old sent out mixed messages on Wednesday in saying his desire to fight again was gone 'for now'.

But Hearn, Froch's promoter until he retired in the summer, told Sportsmail the possibility of a return should not be ruled out.

Carl Froch could be tempted by a return to the ring in 2016, according to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn

The 38-year-old, pictured at the premiere of Cristiano Ronaldo's film on Monday, could come out of retirement

A potential fight with James DeGale has repeatedly been rumoured but Hearn thinks Froch, who is understood to have earned £8m for beating Groves at Wembley, would only see value and motivation in Golovkin, the knockout specialist who is dominating the middleweight division.

Hearn said: 'Everyone asks if a 2016 comeback is on and I know the competitor in him would like a fight with James DeGale. But I cannot see that happening.

'Knowing how much he was paid to fight George Groves in his last fight a year and a half ago, I know it would have to be seriously worth his while. I believe the only fight that would get him back would be Gennady Golovkin.

If Froch returns to the ring, Hearn says he is most likely to fight the undefeated Gennady Golovkin (left)

Golovkin beat David Lemieux by technical knock-out in his last bout, in New York City on October 17

Hearn (right, pictured with Amir Khan) says the world wants to see Froch step in the ring with Golovkin

'It is the fight the world would want to see. Froch is in great shape at the moment. He has added muscle mass to his frame, which would make getting to 168lbs (the super-middleweight limit) harder.

'But I can never rule out a comeback for Carl. If he is to come back it has to be in 2016 – he can't leave it any later. But until then, who knows? I can't say it will happen but at the same time I wouldn't rule it out.'