By Alexey Sukachev and Dmitry Mikhalchuk

Former WBO and IBO light middleweight champion Zaurbek Baysangurov (28-1, 20 KOs) will finally get back to the ring on April 12 after a lengthy injury-induced hiatus.

Baysangurov, who was thrown out of all rankings following a year and a half out of the ring, fights dangerous Argentinean opponent Guido Nicolas Pitto (18-2, 7 KOs) for a now-vacant IBO crown.

Baysangurov, 29, was last seen in the ring in October 2012 against Czech contender Lukas Konecny, winning a spirited unanimous decision in the second defense of a title he acquired with a bogus KO 1 against Brazilian wannabe Mike Miranda. He was then set to defend against Demetrius Andrade in his debut on American soil in mid-2013 but that fight had fallen through after the Ukraine-based Russian (and ethnic Chechen) injured his back. There were also rumors of a possible rematch between him and the only man to defeat him as a pro – Cornelius Bundrage – but that fight has never been finalized.

Pitto, 26, has been fighting in his native Argentina since turning pro in 2009 till the end of 2012. He then relocated himself to Europe and immediately upset 27-1 Dane Reda Zam Zam with the eight-round TKO. He continued his winning streak in late April 2013, outpointing undefeated German Jack Culcay-Keth in a major upset. He then lost to him in a rematch in December 2013.

The fight will headline the first K2 Ukraine installment this year, which will take place at the Terminal Ice Palace in Brovary. In a co-main event, WBO #4 fringe contender Vyacheslav Uzelkov (30-3, 19 KOs) will look forward to continue his road to the second shot at world title against rugged Serbian import Geard Ajetovic (24-9-1, 12 KOs) in a ten-rounder.

Also taking part in the tourney are WBA #10 light heavyweight Olexander Cherviak (13-3-1, 4 KOs) and ethnic Georgians Yago Kiladze (20-1, 13 KOs) and Mishiko Beselia (5-0, 2 KOs).