Matchroom are preparing a 'big money' offer for English cruiserweight champion John Hedges to face rising star Pat Brown in 2026.

Undefeated southpaw Hedges (12-0, 3 KOs) has struggled for activity over the past three years, with just five outings since October 2022.

However, the 23-year-old registered the biggest win of his career on December 17 when outpointing longtime contender Ellis Zorro over 10 rounds in London.

Hedges had hoped the victory would catapult him towards a shot at the British cruiserweight title held by Viddal Riley, but now his long-term promoter Eddie Hearn is ready to deliver him a different opportunity.

The Matchroom boss, who has promoted 6ft 6in Hedges since his debut back in 2020, is hoping to tempt him into a fight with 2024 Olympian Brown, who is now five fights and five inside-distance victories into his professional career.

Hedges suggested he would only consider the clash if it made financial sense and Hearn has since said that he's ready to pay him what he deserves.

"For me that's the fight," Hearn told The Ring.

"It's a dangerous fight for both, Hedges is a very tricky, tough fighter to beat. The last fight against Zorro was a bit of a stinker because they're both a little bit negative at times.

"The fight with Pat Brown is a great fight but I'm with John Hedges on it that he needs to get well paid because it's a dangerous fight. Hedges will believe he can win that fight, has the experience and the awkwardness to cause Pat a lot of problems. But Pat is very dangerous, has had a handful of fights and is a big name.

"If I'm John Hedges, I'm saying pay me the money and I'll take the fight. He's got to be realistic but it's got to be big money and we will make an offer. If it's right, he will take it."