IBF light-welterweight champion Lamont Peterson has vowed to put on a show when he faces challenger Dierry Jean on January 25.
Peterson, 29, will have the backing of a partisan home crowd at the DC Armory in Washington as he takes on unbeaten Quebec fighter Jean (25-0 17KOs).
He won the title off Briton Amir Khan in December 2011 by split decision, but was stripped of the WBA version after failing a drugs test.
He made a successful defence of the IBF strap against Kendall Holt (TKO 8), but last last time out in May when he was stopped in three rounds by Lucas Matthysse in non-title fight made at catchweight 141lbs.
Peterson has vowed to get back to winning ways and start the new year with a bang.
"This is the perfect way for me to kick off 2014, with a great fight against a tough opponent in my hometown," said Peterson (31-2-1 16KOs).
"Fights like these bring out the best in me and I'm going to give my fans a performance to remember on January 25."
Jean, 31, earned his shot at the title by overcoming a cut over his right eye to stop Cleotis Pendarvis in four rounds in an eliminator last May.
"Peterson has been in the ring with many good fighters, but he hasn't been in the ring with me," said Jean.
"I've worked hard for this for a long time. I have already started training camp and I'm in great shape. I just want to bring that belt home to Quebec, where it belongs."