Carl Frampton's opponent for his November 30 return has been announced.
The Jackal will face unbeaten American Tyler McCreary at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The clash will be over 10-rounds at super-featherweight, with Frampton acting as co-headliner with former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez.
Valdez will make his super feather debut against former world title challenger Andres 'Jaguarcito' Gutierrez.
November 30 will be Frampton's (26-2, 15 KOs) first fight of 2019, and his first since losing out to Josh Warrington last December.
The 32-year-old was scheduled to fight August 10 in Philadelphia against Emmanuel Dominguez but was forced to drop out the week of the fight after a concrete pillar fell on his hand.
It will also be Frampton's first appearance in Las Vegas since January 2017 when he lost his rematch to Leo Santa Cruz.
"I'm delighted to be making a comeback after what has been a horrific year in my career,” Frampton said.
“I didn't get the Top Rank deal off to an ideal start, but coming back in Vegas is great for me, especially against a really strong opponent. It needed to be someone who would test me.
"McCreary is a quality opponent, but if I want to be competing against the top guys in the world, which I believe I can, then I need to be beating guys like him and doing it in style.”
McCreary (16-0-1, 7 KOs), from Toledo, Ohio, last fought on July 19 when he overcame a stiff challenge from Jessie Cris Rosales to prevail via eight-round split decision.
In search of a signature win, McCreary will take a significant leap in class, but is confident that his youth and athleticism will prevail.
“It’s a big step up for me, but I feel that I’m ready for it,” McCreary said.
“It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, and I feel that every fight is a risk. This is one where, if anything, I would love to risk my undefeated record against a fighter like Frampton. A win here means a world title shot next.
“I was in the gym training for my October 26 fight and my trainer {Lamar Wright} said we got a call that Carl Frampton was looking for a fight. They didn’t have anyone, and I said, ‘I’ll take it.’ I didn’t hesitate.”
Frank Warren, Frampton’s co-promoter, added: “I’m delighted we’ve got Carl out again before the end of the year.
“He had a tough time of it in August with the freak injury, which meant he couldn’t fight as planned. In this fight against McCreary, I believe Carl will prove that he is still an elite fighter and will be fighting for world titles again before long.”
Meanwhile, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum believes November 30 will be a "tremendous super featherweight double header" with both Frampton and Valdez in action.
"Valdez and Frampton have their hands full against tough opponents,” said Arum.
“If Valdez and Frampton win, world title opportunities await them in 2020.”
The show will be televised in the UK live on BT Sport.
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