UNDEFEATED super-middleweight pair Mark Jeffers and Ivan Zucco could be set to clash for the vacant European title in Bolton this summer.

The EBU belt has been vacant since December after former champion Kevin Lele Sadjo decided to relinquish his title as he attempted to gatecrash the world scene.

And now The Ring understands that a showdown between 19-0 (6) Englishman Jeffers and Italian puncher Zucco 21-0 (18) is in the works for Sadjo’s old belt.

Jeffers, 27, has been linked with a domestic clash with British and Commonwealth champion Callum Simpson but that is not likely to be next. Simpson and his promoters Boxxer are currently in the process of finalising plans for a huge outdoor show at Oakwell, home of his beloved Barnsley FC, and Jeffers is not high on their hitlist of potential opponents.

Instead, Chorley resident Jeffers is in position for a crack at the European title after two straight inside-distance wins against previously undefeated opponents.

It is likely that he will also enjoy a home advantage of sorts against the Italian southpaw, with Boxxer exploring the possibility of staging the fight in Bolton.

Then, should Jeffers and Simpson both do the business in the summer, the unbeaten British duo would then meet for the British, Commonwealth and European titles in a huge domestic encounter in September.

But Zucco will arrive in Bolton confident of spoiling those plans after racking up three straight knockout victories in 2024. He is also 1-0 against Brits having beaten Londoner Germaine Brown on points over 10 in 2023 - but that is a result Jeffers matched 10 months later.