By Michael Coppinger

Tony Thompson (36-2, 24 KOs) is slated to face good friend and fellow contender Eddie Chambers (36-2, 18 KOs) in an intriguing matchup of top 10 heavyweights, both of which are southpaws.

The date, location and television outlet are to be determined, but it will take place in late August or mid September, BoxingScene.com has learned.

Thompson has won fights fight in-a-row, all by knockout, since being stopped by Wladimir Klitschko in 2008. In his last bout, seen on ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights in May, Thompson stopped Maurice Harris in the third round.

Now, he looks ahead to a pivotal matchup with Philadephia-based Chambers.

“We’re pretty good friends,” said the 39-year-old southpaw of Chambers. “Whoever comes off with something new will win the fight, obviously I think that’s gonna be me.

“We’ve helped each other get ready for a couple fights. A lot of rounds together, obviously sparring is different. He’s never seen the best of me I’ve never seen the best of him. It’ll be very interesting fighting instead of sparring.”

Chambers, 29, knocked out Derric Rossy in February, his first bout since being knocked out by Wladimir Klitschko in March of 2010.

The bout will be an IBF box-off to determine the mandatory challenger to lineal champion Wladimir Klitschko, who has already beaten both fights by knockout.

“A win means I get to fight Wladimir Klitschko again,” said Thompson, who resides in Washington D.C. “This is pretty much my career. I win, I advance. I lose, I probably don’t get the opportunity again.

“I wanna be heavyweight champ and [Chambers] is in my way. 'You’re in my way, I’m looking to steamroll you. This is make or break for my career.'"