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Carl Frampton has confirmed he will return from his first professional defeat on July 29 in Belfast.
The 30-year-old in January lost his WBA super-featherweight title to Leo Santa Cruz in Las Vegas in his fourth successive fight on the road.
He had long planned to face IBF champion Lee Selby in a unification match-up, and also spoke of his desire for a third fight with Santa Cruz.
Selby, however, must first face his mandatory challenger Johnny Barros, and Santa Cruz is expected to fight Abner Mares, increasing the likelihood of Frampton (23-1, 14 KOs) agreeing a building fight.
"July 29th - keep it free," Frampton wrote on Twitter. "I can't wait to box at home.
"Press conference will be in the next week and tickets will go on sale straight after. Homecoming."
Frampton last fought in Belfast when he stopped Chris Avalos in February 2015.
IN OTHER NEWS: Sean McGoldrick says he can become a big star in Wales as he prepares for his second pro outing at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
The 25 year old made his pro debut in Manchester in March against the vastly experienced Brett Fidoe and impressed over the four round distance, and now wants to put everything he learnt that night into action in Belfast as he looks to build to a fight at home in the new season.
“I’ve been training hard since my first fight, making minor adjustments from what I’ve picked up since my debut so I’m looking forward to getting back in there and showing what I’ve learnt,” said McGoldrick.
“My debut was a bit of a blur to be honest, it was over so quick but looking back I was happy with my performance. With it being my debut, I was so excited and maybe a bit too eager. Maybe I could have made a few changes, but overall, I was happy with how it went.”
McGoldrick claimed gold for his country at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and as the boxing season draws to a close, the Newport talent is eyeing a homecoming in the next season with hopes that he can bring a bill to his home nation along with stablemate and Team GB Rio Olympian Joe Cordina.
“When I boxed in Wales as an amateur it was amazing, but to do it as a professional on a bigger stage would be a dream come true,” said McGoldrick. “I’ve heard about a potential show in Cardiff for the new season so the motivation is for me to perform in Belfast first and foremost then I can hint to Eddie I want to be on that show.
“Welsh boxing has got a very rich history but it sort of died off for a couple of years but now it feels like it’s on the way to being massive again. The gyms are buzzing. Boxing is becoming one of our main sports again and it’s good to be a part of it moving forward, I really feel I can be a big star there.”
McGoldrick also has the inside track on Saturday night’s main event having worked with the IBF Bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in the build-up, and predicts a tight encounter with unbeaten hometown talent Ryan Burnett.