Korobov, 31, had been put forward as mandatory to meet former champion Peter Quillin, although the American decided to vacate the strap leaving the Russian ready to face the next in line.
With number two-ranked Saunders announcing a clash with Chris Eubank Jr on November 29 in the UK, the WBO had initially approved 154lb title holder Demetrius Andrade as the new challenger.
Andrade has since confirmed that he will be staying at light-middleweight to defend his title there, and as Saunders’ potential domestic grudge match with Eubank has stalled, WBO President Paco Valcarcel has given the green light to the Briton meeting Korobov.
Valcarcel has already stated that the fight is set to take place in the UK, which would put the vacant title bout on the undercard of the Chisora v Fury rematch next month. According to Korobov, his team are in advanced negotiations with Frank Warren and are close to an official agreement for the undefeated battle.
“It’s true that we are in talks about fighting Saunders, Korobov exclusively told World Boxing News on Wednesday.
“My promoters Top Rank and my manager are still working on the fight, but very soon they are going to make an announcement about it and confirm it.”
Korobov v Saunders should appease those fans who had been disappointed in losing the Eubank encounter from the ExCel Arena card in London, and once all is agreed, the contest will be a welcome addition to the bill.
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