A sixth round knockout by Gervonta 'Tank' Davis last year halted the momentum of four weight world champion Leo Santa Cruz.
On that October night in 2020, Davis' devastating punch ended the Mexican's five fight winning streak and now he is ready to return after a year's absence.
"It was a bit tough my last fight, but when I came back to calm, when I understood that I had a great fight, but I got confident and I had to pay for giving myself to the fight, I understood that I shouldn't feel ashamed. The messages from my fans helped me to lift my head and I am ready to come back. I would have liked to be back sooner, but now the date is set and I'm ready to return," Santa Cruz told a virtual press conference.
The 33-year-old will return in 2022 and take on Keenan Carbajal, nephew of the legendary Michael Carbajal, in a 12-round contest, but there will be no world titles on the line.
Santa Cruz revealed that during his time away from the ring, he spent time with his family.
However, during his period the Mexican reached his maximum weight, therefore his fight against Carbajal will be contested at 130 pounds and not at 126, but the plan is to return to the featherweight division and defend his WBA 'super' title for the first time in two years.
Santa Cruz revealed that one of his plans is to challenge Oscar Valdez, the current WBC featherweight champion, or WBO super featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson in the near future, but before all that, he needs to make a statement against Carbajal.
"I never underestimate an opponent, first I have to get a win to think about the next step," he added.
Keenan Carbajal meanwhile is excited for his upcoming clash with Santa Cruz's and is expecting the fight to be a hard-hitting affair.
"I understand that I'm the underdog, but in my family that's not important. I'm ready to fight. I definitely see myself knocking Leo out, but I'm ready for a war, if it comes the knockout comes. We both have power, a knockout is possible. I'm looking for a war," said Carbajal, who is 23-2-1 with 15 knockouts.