Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will finally make his return from a long layoff when he collides with Andrzej Fonfara in a light heavyweight non-title fight on April 18 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Goossen Promotions released a statement on Monday night to confirm that Chavez has agreed to face Fonfara at a maximum catchweight of 172 pounds, which is three pounds lower than the light heavyweight limit.

"Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Andrzej Fonfara are two of the hardest punching boxers in the sport," Tom Brown of Goossen Promotion said in a statement via ESPN. "This fight will be an epic battle of wills and it adds another chapter to the long list of outstanding fights that have taken place at the StubHub Center."

Chavez, who holds an impressive 48-1-1 record with 32 knockouts, has not fought since scoring a unanimous decision win against Brian Vera in March last year, which came six months after escaping with a controversial decision in their first fight in September 2013.

Chavez, who is often criticized for his lack of focus in his career especially after testing positive for marijuana after losing to Sergio Martinez in September 2012, vowed that he will go all out in training camp in the hopes of getting a title shot at the light heavyweight division soon.

"I'm excited to get back in the ring and remind everyone that I'm one of the best fighters in the world," said Chavez, who will be working for the first time with new training Joe Goossen. "I have a tough test on April 18, but I am going to pass with flying colors and I look forward to taking on any challengers after that."

On the other hand, Fonfara, who has a 26-3 record with 15 knockouts, will look to make a name for himself and spoil Chavez's bid for a title shot. The 27-year-old, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Doudou Ngumbu in November, said that he will not let the big opportunity to shine slip away from his hands.

"This is another great opportunity for me and I'm very thankful to have it," Fonfara said of facing the son of Mexican boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. "I've been in there with the best fighters in the world and as always I'm going to try to put on a show for the fans and walk out victorious."

For the latest sports news, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter.

FOR MORE BOXING NEWS UPDATES, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE.

Related