Belfast favourites Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan will return on August 15 behind closed doors at BT Sport studios.
The pair will co-headline the bill in ten rounders, with two-weight World champion Frampton (27-2, 15 KOs) facing Vahram Vardanyan, (21-1, 14 KOs) whilst Conlan (13-0, 7 KOs) tackles former European Featherweight champion Sofiane Takoucht, (35-4-1, 13 KOs) who was dispatched by Josh Warrington in two rounds last September.
’The Jackal,’ who beat Tyler McCreary by unanimous decision last November is on course to face WBO Super-Featherweight champion Jamel Herring later this year, with his Top Rank stablemate is awaiting a new date after twice testing positive for COVID-19.
“I’m excited to get back in the ring, especially as I was unsure at the start of this lockdown about whether I’d get the chance to fight this year at all,” Frampton said.
“The Jamel Herring fight was meant to happen in the summer but got ruled out, so this is a fight that keeps me busy and keeps me active.
“Hopefully, I get the win here, and then we can have the Herring fight for the world title later this year or in early 2021.”
Conlan avenged his controversial 2016 Olympic Quarter-Final loss to Vladmir Nikitin with a unanimous decision victory at Madison Square Garden in December
The 28-year-old, who is closing in on a title shot at 126lbs, was set to face Belmar Preciado on March 17th, with the bout called off following the Coronavirus outbreak, but he is looking to put on a statement upon his return on August 15.
“I’m delighted to be back boxing again. I haven’t stopped training throughout lockdown, so I’m coming in prepared, and I expect to put on a big performance,” Conlan said.
“I’m interested to see how it will be fighting in front of no fans, but I’ve done it before in the amateurs, so experiencing that again is something I’m looking forward to.”
“What a tremendous opportunity for fight fans to see Mick and Carl fight on the same card,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said.
”Carl and Mick are closing in on world title opportunities, and I expect spectacular performances from both men.”
Archie Sharp’s clash with Jeff Ofori, which was the original headliner will still take place on the undercard of the Queensberry and Top Rank card, with the former closing in on a WBO Super-Featherweight title shot himself.
Bantamweight prospect Dennis McCann, IBF European Super-Welterweight champion Troy Williamson and Top Rank’s Irish prospect, Paddy Donovan who is trained by former Middleweight World champion, Andy Lee complete the card.
