ATLANTA -- WBC welterweight champion Vernon Forrest, a native of Augusta, Ga., has directed his managers to bring his next title fight to his adopted hometown of Atlanta in November.

"I absolutely would love to fight in Atlanta," Forrest said Tuesday. "It doesn't matter when or where."

Forrest (35-0) defended his title July 20 by beating Shane Mosley in a rematch in Indianapolis.

"We are very interested in seeing Vernon Forrest fight here," said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Sports Council president. "That would be great for Vernon and great for the city."

The fight likely would be held at Philips Arena.

Atlanta has not staged a title fight since heavyweight Evander Holyfield beat Vaughn Bean in September 1998 at the Georgia Dome.

Charles Watson, Forrest's manager, said several opponents are being considered, and negotiations are being discussed with local corporations for sponsorship deals.

"We are still in the process of putting the numbers together," Watson said.