Multiple sources have advised BoxingScene.com that former unified light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev (34-4-1) will return to the ring on April 25th against long time contender Sullivan Barrera (22-3). 

The fight will headline a Golden Boy Promotions fight card at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California and will be streamed live on DAZN. The fight was first reported by The Athletic's Mike Coppinger.

According to our sources the fight will be contested at a catchweight of 180 pounds in a bout scheduled for 12 rounds.

Kovalev was last in action in November when he was stopped by Canelo Alvarez in the 11th round of their closely contested battle.  The fight was Kovalev's third of the year.  He started off the year by out boxing Eleider Alvarez in an immediate rematch to regain his WBO light heavyweight title that he had lost 6 months prior.  In September he stopped his mandatory challenger Anthony Yarde in 11 rounds which set him up for the quick turnaround against Canelo.

Barrera fought once in 2019, losing a 10 round decision to Jesse Hart in June.  After the loss, the Cuban underwent surgery to repair a damaged ligament in his right shoulder and recently stated that he is as good as new and is eager to prove that he is still a dangerous force in the division.

Kovalev will the 37-years-old and Barrera 38 when they set foot in the ring, making the bout a true win or go home fight.

Send questions or comments to ringsidewriter@gmail.com You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ringsidewriter