By Luke Furman

One of the most highly regarding up and coming heavyweights, Denis Boytsov (28-0, 23 KOs), is still waiting for full medical clearance to resume his career. The 25-year-old boxer would like to return to the ring by August, but he can't be sure until a doctor gives him the green light for a comeback. Boytsov has been suffering from injuries to his right hand for quite a while. The problems began in the first half of 2010. He came back to the ring in November to stop Mike Sheppard in two. Despite the lack of activity, Boytsov is still ranked very high by the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF - positioned at third, third, fifth and eighth.

"I plan to fight in mid-August, but nothing is certain. It is too early to talk about the date, and the opponent. If doctors consider that everything is in order, then my promoters will look for my opponent. If the hand is not healthy, I will not spar," Boytsov said.

Luke Furman covers the boxing scene for bokser.org