Danny Jacobs vs. Matthew Macklin in the works for Aug. or Sept. on PBC

BOSTON - A fight between WBA middleweight champion Danny Jacobs and Matthew Macklin is in the works.

Jacobs told Paste BN Sports that he'll make the second defense of his title in August or September at Barclays Center in his native Brooklyn.

"I've been hearing Matthew Macklin, which I think is great opponent at the moment," Jacobs said, adding that there's a second potential opponent. "… Everything is all in the air until Al Haymon confirms it."

Jacobs (29-1, 26 KOs) was one of the top prospects in boxing, but was knocked out by Dmitry Pirog in his first world title opportunity (July 2010). One year later, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, an aggressive cancer, but overcame the tumor that temporarily paralyzed him, earning the nickname "Miracle Man." He returned to the ring in March 2011 and after seven fights was a world champion.

Jacobs, 28, wants to make up for lost time, and made the first defense of his title with a 12th round stoppage of Caleb Truax in April.

"I just want to fight and stay active, that's my main thing,"said Jacobs, who yearns for a fight this year against fellow Brooklynite Peter Quillin. "… I think Macklin's a great fight."

Eddie Hearn, who promotes Macklin, confirmed the fight is being negotiated.

"I think that Macklin's done enough, he's boxed on HBO enough times - he lost to (Gennady) Golovkin, fair enough - but he gave a good performance against (Sergio) Martinez," Hearn said. "So I think he's big enough to be a credible opponent."

Macklin (32-6, 21 KOs), would easily represent the toughest assignment of Jacobs' career. And that's just the way he likes it.

"We're trying to climb the ladder," Jacobs said, "we're stepping up, better and better opposition every time."