Danny Williams could have to wait for his next world-title shot after establishing himself as the best of the current British heavyweights with a narrow points victory in his 12-round war with Matt Skelton.
Promoter Frank Warren had pledged to deliver a world-title fight for the winner but it could take time.
The holders of the four main versions of the world heavyweight title all have fights lined up and Williams may have to settle for European champion Paolo Vidoz, of Italy, as his next opponent.
Warren wants new WBA champion Nikolay Valuev, the 7ft 2in, 23-stone Beast from the East, to defend in Britain but he said: "Valuev is fighting in April or May so he may not fight again until the autumn. But there will be a world-title fight. I'll deliver it, as I have many times in the past."
The one thing Williams does not want is a return with Skelton, the 39-year-old former martial arts fighter he labelled "a true warrior" following their no-holds-barred Commonwealth title battle at London's ExCel Arena.
Following his turgid points win against Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison and the unrelenting manner of his victory over British champion Skelton, Brixton fighter Williams is now officially the best of British.
"I've redeemed myself. I should be number one for the European title and hopefully I can get a world-title fight against Valuev, Lamon Brewster, Chris Byrd, any of them," he said.
Bedford battler Skelton suffered the first defeat of his 19-fight professional career since switching to boxing in September 2002 following a K-1 martial arts career in Japan, but Williams urged him to carry on.
"It was harder than fighting Tyson," he said. "Matt just has to go back to the gym and keep practising like I did after losing to Klitschko."
