 Maccarinelli's last fight was in September |
Enzo Maccarinelli will make the sixth defence of his WBU cruiserweight title against Rich LaMontagne in January. Maccarinelli will fight on 21 January in Bridgend and says: "This could be a real tear up against LaMontagne.
"It will certainly kick the New Year off with a bang. He can whack and has got come forward style that will suit me down to the ground."
American LaMontagne (29-6-1) returned to the ring in June after a year out of the sport.
The 35-year-old lost his comeback fight after a second round stoppage to Chris Thomas, but beat Allen Smith in one round last October.
Maccarinelli, though, is confident of victory and believes 2005 will finally be the year he gets a shot at WBO cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson.
"I still view Nelson as the best out there and I can't wait to get it on with him," said the 24-year-old from Swansea.
"It's the fight the public wants to see and I believe that I am ready to face him - contrary to what he has been saying.
"I respect and admire everything he has done throughout his career and I want to fight him while he is still recognised as the best to test myself and find out just how good I am or how far I have to go.
"First I will deal with LaMontagne and then it will be Nelson."
MMIX
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