NEWBRIDGE boxer Joe Calzaghe, pictured, expects confirmation in the next few days that he will defend his WBO super-middleweight title against American Antwun Echols in Copenhagen on October 13.

Echols recently stopped former IBF champion Charles Brewer.

Calzaghe's coach and father Enzo said negotiations were still taking place and a positive response was expected in the next few days.

If confirmed, Calzaghe's defence of his title will be on the same bill as Mike Tyson's clash with Dane Brian Nielsen.

"It would give Joe a great opportunity and a lot of exposure," said promoter Frank Warren. Calzaghe was originally due to have fought in Cardiff on October 13.

Meanwhile, Warren has signed 27-year-old Blackpool heavyweight Matthew Ellis, a former ABA champion who fought 18 times for England.

Ellis, 27, has won 16 of his 18 bouts with one loss and one draw.

Herbie Hyde's second opponent on his comeback will be Zambia's Joseph Chingangu, on the Audley Harrison bill in Newcastle on September 22.

Former WBO champion Hyde spent more than two years out of the ring before returning in July.