THE LONG-anticipated clash between Asafa Powell, the world's fastest man, and the United States' 200-metres star Wallace Spearmon could materialise before the end of the 2006 track and field season.

Powell's agent, Paul Doyle, on Monday, said his client could face Spearmon at the IAAF World Cup of Athletics in Athens, Greece in September (16-17).

Both athletes have run season-best times of 19.90 seconds, done on the same day, June 25. Powell, who will be representing the Americas team, did his at the Jamaica Championships while Spearmon, the United States champion, did his at his country's National Championships.

"We are considering doing the 200m at the World Cup," Doyle said on Monday.

Jamaican World Junior 200m world record holder, Usain Bolt, who has been named as the Americas team representative for the 200m, will not be pushed aside, Doyle said

Wildcard entry

"We asked for a wildcard entry and I think they are willing to give it to us," added Doyle in an interview from his Boston home.

Like the Powell/Justin Gatlin 100m clash, the world also awaits a Powell/Spearmon show down over the half-lap event and, according to Doyle, it is now left up to his camp.

"It's just up to us now to accept. ... we thought about it and we think it's a good idea, but we will make a decision after Berlin," he said.