The rearranged vacant WBO light-heavyweight title bout between Joe Smith Jr. and Maxim Vlasov will take place at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 10.
The duo were originally scheduled to fight on February 13 before Vlasov tested positive for Covid-19 prior to the weigh-in, forcing a last ditch postponement.
In the 10-round co-feature, Nigerian heavyweight contender Efe Ajagba (14-0, 11 KOs) will take on Brian Howard (15-4, 12 KOs).
“Joe Smith Jr. deserves this opportunity, and I know Maxim Vlasov will give him a great challenge,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “The light-heavyweight division is one of the hottest in boxing, and the winner will have no shortage of lucrative opportunities.”
Smith (26-3, 21 KOs) said: “I am proud of all I have accomplished, and I am confident I will bring the belt home on April 10 and move forward with my goal of unifying belts and proving I am the best light-heavyweight in the world.”
Russian veteran Vlasov (45-3, 26 KOs) added: “I am ready to return to the ring and become the new WBO light-heavyweight world champion. The postponement was a minor setback, but it will be worth the wait when I have that belt around my waist.”