Kenya's Nick Mwangi aka Makaveli (10-5-1, 7 KOs) returns to the ring on April 29 in a non-title lightweight fight against Tajikistan's Elchibek Niyozmamadov (1-2-1) in Dubai.
Mwangi, the reigning WBA Asia champion, is coming off a controversial points defeat to Tanzania's Emmanuel Mwakyembe in Dar es Salaam last September.
The Dubai-based Kenyan said this is a fight he must win at all costs to regain his confidence ahead of his title defence.
"Fighting on April 29 is a game changer for me. l have prepared the best way I could and I am ready to send another message to 135 (135 pounds weight class) that I'm still among the best in the division," Mwangi, who is signed to D4G management in Dubai, said.
"I will then start preparing for my title defence here in Dubai probably in June."
Mwangi knocked down India's Sachin Dekwal in the seventh round to capture the WBA Asia lightweight title in 2021, Dubai.
Mwangi began boxing at 11 in Ruiru after being inspired by Kenya’s legendary two-time Olympic medalist Philip Waruinge and Olympian Benson Gicharu.
In 2007, he joined Prisons Boxing Club and was the runner-up in the novice championships the following year.
Mwangi moved to Dubai in 2012, joining Round 10 Boxing Club. He turned pro in 2013 and made his debut in the bare-chested game in 2015.
