Errol Spence vs Lamont Peterson is in play for the new year in a welterweight matchup between the two American fighters.

IBF welterweight world champion Errol Spence Jr is set to make his first defence of his title in the new year against former champion Lamont Peterson of Washington.

Dan Rafael of ESPN has reported that a venue and date is still to be officially confirmed – but is heavily thought that January 20th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York will play host to the fight.

Spence has not boxed since winning the title earlier this year from previous champion Kell Brook.

On that occasion Spence Jr travelled to Brook’s backyard in the UK to rip the title away from him in what was an impressive stoppage win.

The bout was ended in the 11th round in Sheffield back on May 27th in an outdoor stadium event.

Peterson has not fought since back in February of this year when he scored a unanimous points decision victory over David Avanesyan.

Peterson’s pro record stands at 35-3-1 (17KO) while the champion Spence’s undefeated currently reads 22-0-19KO.

Since losing to Danny Garcia back in 2015 Peterson has put together two wins on the spin having moved up to 147lbs.