Enzo Maccarinelli will be on the undercard of Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title challenge against Andreas Kotelnik.
Maccarinelli to take on Lebedev at London's O2 Arena in June
Enzo Maccarinelli is to return to the ring on the undercard of Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title challenge against Andreas Kotelnik.
Former world champion Maccarinelli will meet Denis Lebedev for the vacant WBO intercontinental cruiserweight title on June 27.
Maccarinelli, who split from trainer Enzo Calzaghe in the aftermath of his stunning knockout defeat to Ola Afolabi last time out, is now working with Karl Ince in the North West and is determined to get his career back on track.
Changes
The 28-year-old Welshman said: "I was gutted when I lost, but anyone who has followed my career knows that wasn't the real me in there.
"I've been a world champion once before and I want to become a world champion again.
"This is a great chance for me to prove myself against an undefeated fighter, and I can't wait for June 27.
"Working with Karl Ince has been fantastic and I've got my hunger back. Things weren't going well in the gym before the Afolabi fight, but this time around there will be no mistakes.
"I'm going to knock out Lebedev and then I'm going after Afolabi for a rematch."
Challenge
But Moscow-based Lebedev, who like Maccarinelli is promoted by Frank Warren, is equally confident.
"I've seen Maccarinelli's fights and he is a good boxer," said the 29-year-old, who was won all 17 of his professional fights, 12 by stoppage.
"I know that he wasn't himself against Afolabi, and I have to prepare for a world-class opponent. But I am so confident of winning this fight.
"Last time out I boxed a very dangerous puncher in Eliseo Castillo and I stopped him in five rounds, and I believe that I will do the same against Maccarinelli.
"Ever since I was a little boy I have wanted to be a world champion, and I am just a couple of fights away from fulfilling my dream."
