By Yuri Tarantin 

It's been officially announced that Russian welterweight contender Dmitry Mikhaylenko (21-1, 9 KOs) has signed a contract to step in the ring with feared American puncher and former world champion in two weight categories, Randall Bailey (46-9, 39 KOs).

The showdown will be held on November 18 in Yekaterinburg (Russia) and will be the main event of a show being organized by the promoting company Titov Boxing Promotions.

The confrontation between Mikhaylenko and Bailey will have some sort of regional title at stake, but that information has yet to be released and should be disclosed in the coming weeks.

Both fighters are coming off defeats, making the contest a true crossroads battle. Mikhaylenko, 30-years-old, was shocked on May 6 in Yekaterinburg and lost a unanimous decision to Zimbabwean Charles Manyuchi in a very unexpected upset. Bailey boxed in April of this year in Australia, losing to local rising star Jeff Horn.

During his long and eventful career Bailey has shared the ring with such renowned boxers as Diobelis Hurtado, DeMarcus Corley, Miguel Cotto, Juan Urango, Devon Alexander and others. He by far holds the edge in experience, but he is also way past his best and 42-years-old. Bailey is still very dangerous and is regarded as one of the best one punch hitters in boxing, as displayed in his last fight when he dropped Horn.

Mikhaylenko was watching his career climb in the United States, with wins over Sechew Powell, Johan Perez and an HBO televised win over Karim Mayfield. He went back to Russia to take a stay busy fight in May against Manyuchi. His handlers were confident he would win, but Manyuchi proved everyone wrong when he boxed his way to a solid decision to capture the vacant WBC Silver welterweight title.

Yuri Tarantin covers boxing for Allboxing.ru