Wednesday 22 November 2017 11:41, UK
Errol Spence Jr will make the first defence of his IBF welterweight title against former world champion Lamont Peterson in New York in January.
The American ripped the IBF belt from Kell Brook with an impressive stoppage victory in May and had hoped to head directly into a unification bout.
But an elbow injury sidelined WBA and WBC champion Keith Thurman until next year, resulting in Spence Jr failing to secure a second fight in 2017.
"My goal is to unify the welterweight division in 2018, but this fight is a true test and Lamont Peterson is a veteran that I definitely will not overlook," said Spence Jr.
"I sparred him in the amateurs and I know what he brings to the table. I have to get through him to achieve my goals and that is what I plan on doing January 20th."
Peterson, who has won titles at 140 and 147 pounds, said: "First off, I'm happy to be getting back in the ring.
"I've stayed in the gym and I'm ready to go. This is a fight I wanted and as I said before when I became a welterweight, I want to fight the best and make the fights that people want to see.
"I'm ready to give it my all and give the fans a great show."
