By Rick Reeno

Promoter Yvon Michel advised BoxingScene.com that a television deal is close to being finalized for a light heavyweight encounter between IBF champion Tavoris Cloud (24-0, 19KOs) and former WBC beltholder Jean Pascal (26-2-1, 16KOs). Michel, who promotes Pascal, reached an agreement with Cloud's promoter, Don King, nearly a month ago.

The two promoters were searching for a television outlet - and that search is nearly over. Michel confirms there are two possible dates being discussed with Showtime - July 7th and August 11th, and one of those dates will be finalized early next week.

"We did the deal a while ago, probably a month ago. We have a deal in place for Pascal to fight Cloud here in Canada. And we're working with Showtime on two possible dates, between June 7th or August 11th. We should have some confirmation early next week about it," Michel told BoxingScene.com.

Fans have been calling for a Pascal-Cloud showdown for quite a while. Negotiations took place last year, but fell apart. This time around, King's promoter softened his position regarding a few contractual details and the fight was easy for both sides to make.

"I know Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson are fighting tomorrow, but I believe the best fight to watch in the division is Pascal and Cloud. Somebody is going to hurt somebody in that fight. They are not defensive specialists. As a promoter, of course [I love the fight], but as a boxing fan I am really looking forward to the fight," Michel said.