Yuniel “KO Doctor” Dorticos (25-2) returned to action for the first time in nearly 14 months on Saturday night in Miami, Florida at the Manual Artime Community Center Theatre. 

The 35-year-old Cuban made quick work of Jesse Bryan (20-6-2), stopping him in 2 rounds.

His prior ring appearance took place on September 26, 2020 when he lost a majority decision to Mairis Breidis in the World Boxing Super Series final in Germany. 

Dorticos’ resume also includes victories over Mateusz Masternak and Dmitry Kudryashov. 

"I feel very happy, because boxing is an important part of my life and I needed this return to the ring," Dorticós said to George Ebro.

"This fight fills me with confidence and allows me to look more clearly at what may come in a new chapter. I feel motivated and will be looking to become champion for the third time at cruiserweight."

Now that he has shaken off the ring rust, Dorticos is planning on having a big 2022 campaign. 

Caribe Promotions’ Vice President Louis Fonseca said that Dorticos is ready to face all of the top competition in the cruiserweight division and is also willing to move up to heavyweight to take on the biggest challenges. 

Dorticos captured his first world title in 2016 when he stopped Youri Kalenga in 10 rounds to secure the interim WBA cruiserweight title. He would later lose his title to Murat Gassiev in the first World Boxing Super Series season. 

He would become a two-time champion in 2019 with a highlight reel knockout of Andrew Tabiti with the vacant IBF cruiserweight title on the line. 

Dorticos is also over the moon with the recent news of Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez making the jump to cruiserweight to challenge WBC champion Ilunga Makabu.

The Cuban puncher wants to capture a world title to present his case for a Canelo fight.

"I love that Canelo makes that jump and gets to my division," Dorticós added. "I hope to become a champion and that he is still there. I would like for him to give me a chance."

On the undercard of that weekend event, featherweight Mike Plania (26-1, 13 KOs) stayed busy by taking down veteran Ricardo Núñez by technical knockout in the first round. 

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