Boxer Shane Cameron will step back up into the heavyweight ranks to fight American Monte Barrett in Auckland.

Cameron, who dropped to cruiserweight two years ago in an attempt to get a shot at a world title in that division, will take on Barrett at the SkyCity Convention Centre on July 5.

Cameron was demolished by David Tua in a second-round knockout in New Zealand's "Fight of the Century" in 2009, but Barrett beat Tua by a unanimous decision last August.

The 40-year-old New York resident has also tangled with six opponents who have held a world title, including Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko and Britain's David Haye.

"This will be a massive challenge, but I'm up for it," Cameron said.

"I am a different fighter to the one people saw in 2009 and I'll prove that on July 5."

Cameron, 34, has a record of 28 wins (21 by knockout) and two losses, while Barrett has had 35 wins (20), nine losses and two draws.

Barrett said - "We're gonna fight, we're gonna do what we do, he's gonna come do what he's been doing, he's gonna get knocked out as usual, but at the same time I'm giving him opportunity, this is about land of opportunity, right?"