Former WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (28-2, 20KOs) is leaning in the direction of a hometown return in the month of May, and not an April showdown in Montreal with IBF champion Lucian Bute (30-0, 24KOs). InterBox, who promote Bute, explained during a Friday conference call, that Froch was their number one priority for Bute on April 14th.

Froch, who lost a twelve round decision to Andre Ward in last month's Super Six finale, wants a warm-up bout in the UK. During several recent interviews, Eddie Hearn, who promotes Froch, has mentioned a tentative date of May 5th in Nottingham.

“I’ve fought everywhere recently in big world title fights and I have got some air miles” said Froch to Sky Sports. “I want a home fight first, possible Nottingham or just in Britain, then on to another world title after that and maybe look at Lucian Bute.”

If Froch rejects the possibility of an April clash with Bute, the Canadian star will be left with slim pickings. Showtime was not willing to carry a Bute-Froch battle. They would rather see Bute fight Andre Dirrell, who recently broke away from promoter Gary Shaw and manager Al Haymon.