By Rick Reeno

Sources close to the situation have advised BoxingScene.com that "serious negotiations" are ongoing for an April 11th fight between WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee (34-2, 24KOs) and the man who vacated the crown, Peter Quillin (31-0, 22KOs).

If a deal gets finalized, the fight would be paired with Danny Garcia vs. Lamont Peterson, who collide in a 143-pound catch-weight fight. NBC would televise both fights as part of Al Haymon's new boxing series, Premier Boxing Champions.

One source involved with the discussions tells BoxingScene: "A deal is not done, but it's close. There are still some issues with the WBO."

The WBO issues are connected to a mandatory defense being owed by Lee to British contender Billy Joe Saunders. More than likely, a deal is being worked out with the WBO to allow Saunders to fight the winner of Lee-Quillin.

Quillin held the belt and made three successful defenses. He was then ordered to face Matt Korobov in a mandatory fight. He vacated the title, also missing out on $1.4 million dollar payday, after Roc Nation Sports won the WBO's purse bid. Most in the industry believe Quillin walked away from the fight due to the business rivalry between his manager, Haymon, and Roc Nation.

Lee and Korobov were then ordered to fight for the vacant WBO crown. In a close fight, Lee pulled away with a dramatic sixth round stoppage of the undefeated Korobov to capture the belt last December in Las Vegas.

The frontrunner to host the NBC doubleheader is the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York - and there are ongoing discussions with the venue.