By Luke Furman

Longtime cruiserweight veteran Denis Lebedev may hold the final match in his career in the summer as the full world champion of the World Boxing Association (WBA), according to the boxer's manager Vadim Kornilov of World of Boxing.

Last week, Oleksandr Usyk announced that he was vacating the WBA championship - after being ordered to make a mandatory defense against Lebedev, who is the "champion in recess."

“With a high degree of probability, Lebedev will be restored to super champion status. He can defend this status in the final fight of his career. Most likely, this will be the final fight in his career,” said Kornilov to Igor Lazorin.

The 39-year-old Lebedev has a record of 32 wins (23 by knockout) and two losses. He last entered the ring in November, beating American Mike Wilson on points.

There are ongoing talks for Lebedev to face rising British cruiserweight Lawrence Okolie.

"We have heard that Okolie's team are interested in fighting Lebedev," said Kornilov to Sky Sports.

"I discussed this with Denis and the team and they said they are ready, make the fight happen!

But Lebedev would like to have his next fight in Russia, which may not go over well with Okolie.

"Denis is a big champion and has a lot of fans in Russia, he has fought many big fights and main events in Russia," Kornilov said.

"With this possibly being Denis' last fight, it would be great to put this fight together in Russia as a possible farewell fight for Denis."

Okolie's promoter Eddie Hearn is hoping for a summer date in the UK.

"I've got the green light from Lawrence who said he would be ready to fight Lebedev next," Hearn told Sky Sports last week.

"I've spoken to World of Boxing, we've made them an offer. Obviously, he's got to accept that offer but from our side we are ready to go for that fight. July is the date I've got in mind for that fight and if Lebedev accepts that fight it could be next. I think it's much too early for Okolie to step up. But I do think he can win that fight and I think when you get an opportunity to fight for a world title in one that you may be a slight favourite, I think you should take it.

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org