Anthony Crolla has announced that he will return to the ring to face Darleys Perez in a WBA world lightweight title bout at Manchester Arena on July 18.
Crolla had been due to face Richar Abril for the title in January, but that fight was scrapped after the Manchester-born boxer was attacked by burglars.
The 28-year-old suffered a fractured skull and a broken ankle having been hit with a concrete block when confronting the intruders, but will now return to action against new champion Perez this summer.
"The world title shot's come again, we've been here before and I can't wait. I can't wait. I've got to thank [promoter Eddie Hearn], he promised me once I came back to full fitness he'd get me a world title shot and he's a man of his word, he's done that," Crolla told reporters.
"With Scott Quigg and the other fighters on the bill, from our gym and around the city, it's a great bill. I'm just happy to be a part of it. Every time I fight at that arena, that's the arena where I grew up, saving up my pocket money to watch our champions - Ricky Hatton, Michael Brodie - it's something that's special to me.
"The support I've had from this city, I think the best way to thank them is to go out there on July 18 and win a world title. That's what I believe I'll do and I'll give it everything I have to make sure that happens."
Crolla has won 29 and lost four of his 35 bouts so far, with 10 of those victories coming via knockout.
