Carl Johanneson ends a ring exile of almost two years when he returns at Nottingham’s Harvey Hadden Centre on Friday night (5th Feb).
The Leeds puncher (27-4) faces Youssef Al Hamidi in his first contest since losing the British super-featherweight title against Kevin Mitchell on March 2008.
Johanneson, 31, was stopped in nine rounds, but the scrap was a entertainingl slugfest. And Carl who has 19 inside the distance wins has targeted regaining his old title and then stepping up to lightweight and facing Mitchell in a return.
Promoter Frank Maloney said: "Carl hopes to become the mandatory contender to the winner of the Gary Sykes v Ricky Burns vacant British super-featherweight title fight.
"There is some confusion of that bout because it is reported that Burns has a world title fight, but Carl is willing to step in.
"Carl has had a lay-off, but has already beaten Burns comfortably and I hope the British Boxing Board of Control will take that into account.
"I’m really excited about Carl’s return because he thrills in the ring and is a fighter I am close to from my days training him.
"He has never been in a bad fight and although he looks good in training we will see if the old spark in there on Friday.
"I would love to see him win the British title have a defence and then get another fight with Kevin."
Sykes (13-0) has his British title warm-up on the card which is televised live on Sky Sports when he boxes Dean Mills (3-2-2).
At the top of the bill, local hero Jason Booth (34-5) bids to win a Lonsdale belt outright when he defends his British super-bantamweight title against Londoner Matthew Marsh (13-1).
Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries has pulled out his six rounder against Welshman Nathan King because of injury.
Tickets for the star studded Nottingham show priced £35 and £85 are available from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508.
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