Bernard Dunne was knocked out by Kiko Martinez last August

Dunne's reign as European champion was sensationally ended last August when the 28-year-old was knocked out in 86 seconds by Spain's Kiko Martinez.

The Dubliner's comeback bout will be against 35-year-old Venezualan Felix Machado who held the IBF super flyweight title between 2000 and 2003.

The bout will take place in Castlebar in county Mayo.

"I just can't wait and it's great to have a date to work towards now," said Dunne who celebrated the birth of his second child in December.

"I've had a good break and I got to spend a lot of time with the latest addition to the family.

"I missed that when Caoimhe was born because I had to go into training camp not long after so it was nice to be able to spend so much time with Pamela and the kids but I'm ready to go now again."

Machado has claimed wins over former world champions Martin Castillo, Mauricio Pastrana and Julio Gamboa during his career but the 35-year-old has lost four of his last six bouts - including his last two fights.

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Despite his shock defeat last summer, Dunne insists he will continue to campaign at super bantamweight and he is hopeful of a rematch with Martinez.

"I was 100% mentally and physically ready for that fight but I just got caught by a shot I didn't see coming.

"In sport there's always a winner and a loser so when you come out of a fight on the wrong side you just have to deal with it and bounce back."

Dunne's contest with Machado will take place at the Breaffy House Resort in Castlebar.

The Dubliner's promoter Brian Peters says that Machado will be a "huge test" for Dunne.

"He's a seasoned, durable opponent and has been to the very highest level," added Peters.

"He's competed in eight world title fights and won the majority of them so Bernard certainly can't be accused of taking on a soft touch."