New Yorker Junior Younan, who returns to action this Saturday night in Brooklyn, aims to break into world rankings in 2022.

Younan returns on the undercard of the junior middleweight clash between Danny Garcia and Jose Benavidez Jr. at the Barclays Center.

This is the first time Younan will compete since his outing last April on Triller's card in Atlanta, where the Brooklyn native got rounds in the bank against tried and tested opposition. 

"Firstly I want to thank everybody involved in getting me back in the ring, Peter Kahn, PBC, and of course my father who has always trained me for the work they have put in to get me back on the big stage," Younan said.

"To get back onto a big platform in Brooklyn, New York is what I wanted. This is the opportunity I've been working hard for, and I plan on putting on a show to show the fans in New York and watching at home that this is the platform I am supposed to be on, and one I belong on. 

"My father and I never really left the gym, we worked hard even when we didn't have a fight date, we pushed hard to improve, sparring top class fighters and always being around top quality camps, so I have been able to continue to improve in the gym despite having a bit of a lay off after my last fight."

Younan faces Dauren Yelenussinov, who has a solid record of 10-1-1 with 9 knockouts.

"I have a real live opponent in front of me, and that is what will bring out the best in me. I'm not overlooking him, I would never overlook a fighter, but what can happen from me putting on a good performance, will show people that I can become a real issue for anybody at 168 pounds," Younan said.

"I want titles this year, so I have to be on point this weekend and I know I will be. Realistically I'd like to break into the world ratings before the end of 2022 and get myself in line for top-level championship fights in 2023."