By Ryan Burton
 
BoxingScene.com received an email from former Contender series participant Ishe Smith (22-5, 10KOs) stating that he will be making his return to the ring on May 4th on the eve of Floyd Mayweather-Miguel Cotto mega-fight that takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 

The May 4th fight card takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. There is a possibility of the card being televised by ESPN's Friday Night Fights. Smith last fought in November of 2010 when he dispatched Alexander Pacheco Quiroz in two rounds.  His opponent is still to be determined.
 
Here is what Smith had to say:
 
"Floyd is like family so when he asked me to join his camp I said yes. I've been knowing Floyd since I was about 10 years old. That was the first time we sparred over at Golden Gloves Gym. We were so young. It's been a tough road and been hard for me to get fights and this situation came up where I'm a free agent and I know Floyd does shows here in Las Vegas, so I asked [Mayweather's adviser] Leonard [Ellerbe] if they could get me on any shows."
 
"Boza Edwards is someone whom I have a great deal of respect for, I have been knowing him for 25 years; Leonard and Boza told me they would get me on the show May 4th and the rest is history. I am just grateful for the opportunity that Floyd and Mayweather Promotions are giving me. We haven't spoken about anything long term. I'm just excited to be fighting in my hometown in front of all my fans.  I feel like I am the most avoided fighter in boxing. For whatever reason guys are afraid to fight me. I can only take it one fight at a time, stay humble, and patient. That's what we've done the last 17 months. It feels good to be training for something again.  Something I can feel. This is the second and final act of my career, whatever happens from this point on is up to me."
 
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Tags: Ishe Smith