MICHAEL Conlan looks to rejoin the world scene at featherweight as he gears up for his eagerly anticipated comeback on March 7.
The Irishman has not fought since his devastating seventh-round stoppage defeat to Jordan Gill, handing him his third professional blemish towards the end of 2023.
But now, after signing a long-term promotional deal with Wasserman Boxing, Conlan, 18-3 (9 KOs), is hoping to reignite his career.
His return to the ring will feature on the undercard of Harlem Eubank vs Tyrone McKenna, with the 33-year-old taking on little-known opponent Asad Asif Khan at the Brighton Centre, England.
Without a meaningful win on his resume, Indiaโs Khan is perhaps best known for his fifth-round stoppage defeat to former WBA โregularโ titlist Can Xu back in 2023.
But still, Conlan can be forgiven for wishing to dust off the cobwebs, with the slick southpaw entering his first assignment since linking up with Sheffield-based trainer Grant Smith.
The Olympic bronze medallist, however, will nonetheless need to remind fans of his silky skills after suffering two losses on the bounce.
Before getting halted by Gill, Conlan fell short in his attempt to capture the IBF super featherweight title against Luis Alberto Lopez earlier that year.
His fifth-round stoppage defeat arrived just over a year after a thrilling encounter with Leigh Wood, who became the first man to beat Conlan as a professional.
It was also announced earlier today that joining Conlan on the Channel 5 card in March will be Dan Toward, an unbeaten super welterweight prospect who takes on Ugandaโs Muzamiru Kakande.