TEAM Calzaghe’s cruiserweight contender Enzo Maccarinelli is in the dark over plans that will see him compete for a world title next month.

Maccarinelli’s promoters Sports Network have made clear their desire to stage a clash between American Jonathon Banks and Maccarinelli in February, with the duo battling for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title.

Swansea puncher Maccarinelli, 28, was due to face Banks in London in December, only for the Detroit fighter to withdraw at the eleventh hour with an ankle injury.

The former WBO champion – Maccarinelli is bidding to become the first Welshman ever to win back a world title – lost his crown to David Haye last March and has been in action only once since, destroying stand-in Matthew Ellis at London’s Excel Arena in his debut at heavyweight.

However, with ambitions to beat Banks and rival Herbie Hide and ultimately unify the cruiserweight division in the coming 12 months, Maccarinelli is hoping to receive confirmation of his clash with Banks.

“I haven’t heard a single thing about it, all I know is what I have read in the press,” Maccarinelli told the Argus.

“I am sure I will be speaking with Frank (Warren, Sports Network promoter) in the near future.

“I have heard it’ll be happening in February and that Amir Khan will be on the bill also, but as I say, I don’t know anything other than what I have read.”

Maccarinelli - who has a record of 29 wins (22 knock-outs) and two defeats, revealed he is thrilled to be seeing the back of 2008.

“It was the worst year for me, but I honestly believe it has made me stronger as a person and I will be a force to be reckoned with this year.”

The fighter nicknamed ‘Big Macc’ will face a major challenge in Banks, who fights out of the famous Kronk Gym and has won all 20 of his professional bouts (14 knock-outs).

Meanwhile, things are also looking up for Newbridge fighters Gavin Rees and Bradley Pryce. The duo also endured a frustrating 2008, Rees losing his world title to Andreas Kotelnik in Cardiff and Commonwealth champion Pryce only in action once.

However, both fighters have been tipped to feature in big bouts in 2009 in a preview posted on Sports Network’s website, www.frankwarren.tv.

Rees has been linked with a lightweight clash with Alex Arthur.

The website preview reads: “Arthur will also be looking to make an impact, and there’s still talk of a rematch with Michael Gomez, although the two sides are apart when it comes to money. And Gavin Rees hasn’t fought since he lost his WBA light welterweight crown to Andreas Kotelnik - and is likely to come back down to 9’9. How about him against Arthur?”

Commonwealth light middleweight champion Pryce is referenced for a possible rematch with Anthony Small.

The preview reads: “British champion Ryan Rhodes will defend his title against Anthony Small in Liverpool in March. It’s a classic case of veteran versus prospect, with Small hoping to finally underline his undoubted talent. Another potential fight involving Small is a rematch with Commonwealth champion Bradley Pryce, the only man to have stopped him.”

Cefn Fforest’s light heavyweight Commonwealth champion Nathan Cleverly is set to defend against British champion Dean Francis in a winner takes all clash, Francis pulling out of a scheduled fight between the pair back in October.